Fugitive wanted in connection with Rocky View County murder arrested
Mounties have captured a fugitive wanted for murder and on the run since early August, and it happened while they were working another case.
Elijah Blake Strawberry was arrested on Friday afternoon, at a residence on the O'Chiese First Nation.
The 28-year-old was arrested "successfully and safely," RCMP say.
"Following an intense search and multiple pleas for information, on Sept. 13, 2024, today, just after 1 p.m., members of the Alberta RCMP major crimes unit successfully and safely arrested 28-year-old Elijah Blake Strawberry at a residence in O'Chiese First Nation," said Alberta RCMP Chief Superintendent Roberta Mckale.
On Aug. 6, police say Colin Hough, of Airdrie, was shot and killed by Strawberry and another man, 35-year-old Arthur Wayne Penner.
Police say Hough had stopped to help them, believing they were in trouble when their truck was on fire along a rural road just east of Calgary.
Police say the pair also shot and injured a Fortis Alberta employee after the killing.
Penner was arrested with the assistance of the Edmonton Police Service, but Strawberry remained at large.
Alberta RCMP Chief Superintendent Roberta Mckale speaks about the arrest of Elijah Blake Strawberry on Sept. 13, 2024. (Sean McClune/CTV News Edmonton)
"I don't know of many members that, when we were stopped and fuelling up our vehicles, weren't keeping an eye out, looking for him," said Mckale.
"Sitting down for dinner with friends and family, you always had your eyes open for this individual because he could have been anywhere."
RCMP received a lot of tips, said Mckale, but in the end, none of those were what led to his capture.
"Our investigators were in O'Chiese First Nation, at a residence on another matter – the major crimes unit was there working another file – and ended up locating him hiding in the residence," said Mckale.
Strawberry will appear before a Justice of the Peace, "to determine his release status and a future court date," said Mckale.
RCMP could not say whether anyone else might be facing charges.
Despite the arrests, however, Mckale said the investigation continues, and that anyone with information is asked to come forward, either to police or Crime Stoppers.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Nanos survey says most Canadians support expansion of Old Age Security benefits, but economic experts call it 'terrible policy'
Amid new polling indicating most Canadians support boosting Old Age Security benefits by 10 per cent for seniors aged 65 to 74, a former Liberal finance minister and former Bank of Canada governor are warning the government not to pursue the policy change.
'You were innocent': Judge acquits Manitoba man 50 years after murder conviction
A Manitoba man convicted of murder 50 years ago has been acquitted. Clarence Woodhouse was found guilty in 1974 of fatally beating and stabbing a restaurant worker in downtown Winnipeg.
Health official confirms death of Ontario child following rabies diagnosis
An Ontario child has died after coming in contact with a rabid bat, a health official confirmed on Wednesday.
Los Angeles prosecutors to review new evidence in Menendez brothers' 1996 murder conviction
Prosecutors in Los Angeles are reviewing new evidence in the case of Erik and Lyle Menendez to determine whether they should be serving life sentences for killing their parents in their Beverly Hills mansion more than 35 years ago, the city's district attorney said Thursday.
Garth Brooks accused of rape in lawsuit from hair-and-makeup artist
A woman who says she worked as a hair-and-makeup stylist for Garth Brooks alleged in a lawsuit filed Thursday that he raped her in a Los Angeles hotel in 2019.
Melania Trump says she supports abortion rights, putting her at odds with the GOP
Melania Trump revealed her support for abortion rights Thursday ahead of the release of her upcoming memoir, exposing a stark contrast with her husband, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, on the crucial election issue.
Parliament 'ground to a halt' over Conservative allegations of Liberal corruption
Government business has been put on indefinite pause in the House of Commons and the Conservatives say it will stay that way until the Liberals hand over documents related to misspent government dollars.
Breast cancer patient says she had to lie to get a mammogram in Ontario
When an Ontario doctor refused to sign off on a mammogram for 38-year-old Sidra Lone, the mother of four says she was left with no choice but to lie.
184 passengers and crew evacuated as Ryanair Boeing plane catches fire on runway in Italy
More than 180 people were evacuated Thursday from a Ryanair Boeing passenger jet after it caught fire while taxiing to take off at Brindisi Airport in southern Italy.