Sherwood Park Man with Explosive History Arrested with Pipe Bomb in Vehicle
A Strathcona County man with a documented history of explosives-related charges and previous accusations in a 2021 homicide case is now facing multiple serious charges after Alberta RCMP discovered an improvised explosive device (IED) during a routine traffic stop in Sherwood Park. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of April 7, 2026, led to the evacuation of a nearby gas station and required intervention from specialized police units.
Discovery During Traffic Stop
According to RCMP reports, the situation unfolded around 1:30 a.m. when an officer patrolling a parking lot off Pembina Road and Broadmoor Boulevard noticed a Buick Verano with license plates that didn't match the vehicle and weren't registered to any motor vehicle. After pulling the car over, the officer discovered bear mace inside and observed the driver allegedly attempting to conceal a knife.
The immediate arrest led to a thorough search of the vehicle, which revealed drug paraphernalia and what authorities later identified as a pipe bomb contained within a foam-insulated briefcase. Photographic evidence provided by RCMP showed the device contained a significant quantity of screws and wiring, though investigators determined the battery wasn't connected at the time of discovery.
Dangerous Potential of the Device
Alberta RCMP Cpl. Mathew Howell provided chilling details about the potential destructive power of the device found in Sherwood Park. "If it blew up in a vehicle, depending on the amount of explosives there is, the vehicle itself can become part of the projectile and part of the bomb as well," Howell explained in a phone interview, emphasizing that while the device wasn't activated, it was constructed in a manner that could have caused serious injury or death.
The discovery prompted immediate safety measures, including the evacuation of the surrounding area and the deployment of the RCMP Explosives Disposal Unit (EDU). After thorough testing, the EDU determined the device was safe to handle, though the investigation into its intended purpose continues.
Suspect's Troubled History
The arrested individual, identified as 36-year-old Anthony Timothy Walker, now faces ten separate charges including three counts of possession of a weapon contrary to an order, two counts of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and possession of an explosive substance. Court records reveal this isn't Walker's first encounter with explosives-related allegations.
In October and November of 2021, Walker faced charges for making or possessing an explosive device, receiving a 120-day jail sentence for the October incident involving a pipe bomb. The November charges were eventually withdrawn. More significantly, Walker was one of four individuals charged in connection with the 2021 homicide of Donald Blizzard, whose remains were discovered in Lac Ste. Anne County in September of that year after he had been missing for two months.
Ongoing Investigation
Police authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the Sherwood Park incident, with particular focus on determining why the explosive device was constructed and what its intended target might have been. "We're still trying to determine why this was built and what the end goal for it was," Cpl. Howell stated, noting that investigators haven't yet confirmed whether the IED was intended for a specific individual or group.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about explosive devices in civilian settings and raises questions about how individuals with documented histories of weapons offenses continue to access materials for creating dangerous devices. The RCMP's prompt response and successful neutralization of the threat prevented what could have been a catastrophic incident in the Sherwood Park community.
