Standoff on Willow Drive
Sharon McLeay
Times Contributor
At about 1:30 a.m. August 11., Strathmore RCMP smoothly and effectively responded to a 911 call from a female victim asking for assistance. After speaking with her, the investigative team located her assailant at his residence and attempted to take him into custody. During discussion, he allegedly uttered threats to police and indications were that he had a weapon, which resulted in the area along Wheatland Trail and Willow Drive being cordoned off by assisting officers.
An EMS unit was also placed on standby. The RCMP blockades kept residents at a safe distance, while keeping traffic flow in check. Sheriffs and Community Peace Officers also assisted in containing the scene and keeping the public safe.
RCMP Sgt. Patricia Neely said that if one weapon is in evidence, it is quite likely there is more than one weapon kept in the home. As a precautionary measure the RCMP North and South Emergency Response Units were called in to assist.
“The Emergency Response Unit is made up from a variety of members, serving on a full and part time basis. They are specially trained, along with specially trained negotiators, who will speak with the suspect. The goal here is to resolve the situation as peacefully as we can,” said Sgt. Neely.
The female victim was taken to the Strathmore detachment for her safety. The Emergency Response Units were located at the RCMP detachment ready for deployment. However the situation was safely and carefully contained and the assailant was taken into custody about 2:50 p.m., without incident and the need for tactical response.
RCMP have charged a 39-year-old man with sexual assault, forcible confinement, obstruction of a peace officer and four counts of breaching conditions of release in relation to the case. The individual is in custody and is scheduled to appear at the Drumheller Provincial Court on Aug. 16. His name will not be released due to investigational reasons.
The Strathmore RCMP said they would like to thank the public for their assistance and cooperation in this matter. Several residents were asked to either leave their homes, or remain safely inside while the RCMP contained the area.