Alberta RCMP Address Multiple School Gun Calls Amid Heightened Concerns
In the aftermath of the mass shooting tragedy in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, Alberta RCMP have been actively responding to a series of gun-related incidents at schools across the province over a two-day period. These events have underscored the critical importance of community vigilance and prompt reporting to law enforcement agencies.
Four Separate Incidents Prompt Police Response
Between Tuesday and Thursday, Alberta RCMP officers were dispatched to four distinct school-related calls involving potential firearms. The incidents occurred in various communities, highlighting widespread concerns about school safety in the current climate.
"We always tell people that if you have a concern, or you think there's an issue, just make sure to call us, and we will investigate," emphasized Alberta RCMP Corporal Mathew Howell in a statement to media. "You never know when you might be preventing a tragedy from happening."
Detailed Account of Individual Incidents
The first incident unfolded in Edson on Tuesday when officers responded to reports of a man behaving erratically near a local school. According to police reports, the individual was observed throwing beef jerky and shouting Bible verses at students. When the school principal confronted the man, he produced a cap gun and fired three shots in the principal's direction before fleeing in a vehicle.
A coordinated police response involving multiple detachments, Alberta RCMP air services, emergency response teams, and police dog services culminated in the suspect's arrest after a pursuit that lasted approximately one hour. The chase concluded on a private farm east of Hinton.
"As far as we understand, this was a completely random incident," Corporal Howell explained. "The man has no link to the school, or even the community."
The suspect, identified as 39-year-old Bryce Montgomery Petrick from Dawson Creek, British Columbia, faces multiple charges including:
- Using an imitation firearm while committing an offence
- Possession of an imitation firearm for a dangerous purpose
- Mischief
- Flight from police
- Dangerous driving
Petrick was scheduled for a court appearance in Edson on Thursday.
Additional School Security Incidents
On Wednesday morning, Strathcona County officers received a report of an individual with a possible firearm in their pocket at Strathcona Athletic Park in Sherwood Park. This prompted security measures at two nearby educational institutions:
- Bev Facey Community High School implemented a lockdown
- F.R. Haythorne Junior High entered a hold and secure status
Police conducted a thorough search of the area and located the suspect, but confirmed that no firearm was present and no offence had been committed. Both schools subsequently resumed normal operations.
Corporal Howell acknowledged the psychological impact of recent events, stating: "There's been a lot of distress and anguish with what's gone on in Tumbler Ridge, which is understandable. It can bring on a lot of fear and anxiety, and that causes people, when you look at some of the incidents to be more vigilant, and then sometimes that vigilance makes them think they saw something."
Further Incidents in Fort McMurray and High River
In Fort McMurray on Tuesday afternoon, Wood Buffalo RCMP received a report that a student had brought a firearm to school. Officers responded immediately and located the suspect, though no firearm was found. The individual was taken into custody without incident, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Two days later, on Thursday morning, High River officers responded to a threat report concerning someone potentially attending Ecole Secondaire Highwood High School with firearms. This marked the fourth gun-related school call within the two-day timeframe.
The series of incidents demonstrates how heightened public awareness following traumatic events can lead to increased reporting of potential threats, even when some turn out to be unfounded. Alberta RCMP continue to emphasize the importance of community cooperation in maintaining school safety across the province.
