RCMP search for suspect in Didsbury, Alta. leads to hold and secure in local schools

RCMP seized a sawed-off shotgun, ammunition, bear spray and an airsoft gun during an arrest in Didsbury, Alta. on Oct. 24, 2023.

Didsbury, Alta., schools were placed into hold and secure on Tuesday as RCMP searched for a suspect in the community.

In a news release Wednesday, RCMP said a stolen vehicle, believed to be driven by a known previous offender, was spotted in downtown Didsbury.

Multiple units were called to assist with the arrest, including air support and police dogs.

Due to the high-risk nature of the operation, RCMP initiated a hold and secure at all schools in the community as a precaution to keep students away from the area at the time of the arrest.

The vehicle was contained and the suspect was taken into custody around 3:20 p.m., RCMP said.

The suspect was found inside the stolen vehicle, RCMP said, along with a sawed-off shotgun, ammunition for the gun, bear spray, a knife and an airsoft handgun.

RCMP said the suspect was bound by a firearms prohibition order at the time of the arrest.

As a result, Jamie McConnel, 21, of Edmonton, was charged with:

• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose;
• Possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized;
• Possession contrary to order;
• Unauthorized Possession in a motor vehicle;
• Possession of a prohibited firearm with ammunition; and
• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.

McConnell is scheduled to appear at the Alberta Court of Justice in Didsbury on Oct. 30, 2023.