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
'It went horribly wrong': DNA analysis sheds light on lost Arctic expedition's grisly end
Archaeologists have identified the cannibalized remains of a senior officer who perished during an ill-fated 19th century Arctic expedition, offering insight into its lost crew's tragic and grisly final days.
Missing father, kids spotted in New Zealand wilderness 3 years after disappearance: police
A New Zealand man who disappeared with his three children in 2021 was spotted on a farm along the country's northwest coast, police say.
Common heart conditions raise the risk of dementia, experts say
If you are one of the millions with heart disease, you have a higher risk for future dementia, according to the American Heart Association.
Partial remains of British climber believed found 100 years after Everest ascent
The partial remains of a British mountaineer who might -- or might not -- have been one of the first two people to climb Mount Everest are believed to have been found a century after their ascent of the world's highest peak, according to an expedition led by National Geographic.
Al Pacino says being a new dad at 84 is a 'mini miracle'
Al Pacino is enjoying being a late-in-life dad. The legendary actor talked about being a father to a brood, including to 16-month-old Roman with producer Noor Alfallah.
Toronto mother acquitted in death of disabled daughter launches $10.5-million lawsuit against police, city
Cindy Ali, the Toronto mother who was acquitted in the 2011 death of her 16-year-old daughter Cynara after serving more than four years in prison, is suing Toronto police and the city for more than $10 million.
Trudeau tells premiers to start cutting pharmacare deals as soon as possible
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is calling on provinces and territories to start negotiating pharmacare deals as soon as possible, now that the federal legislation to enact the program has become law.
B.C. billionaire posts third large sign criticizing NDP ahead of the election
British Columbia billionaire Chip Wilson has put up yet another billboard message to voters, his third post outside his multimillion-dollar mansion in NDP Leader David Eby's own riding.
Two Ontario sisters fly to Newfoundland after mother loses $20K to romance scam
Two sisters from Ontario travelled to Newfoundland to spend time with their mom after they learned she lost $20,000 to a romance scam.