On March 14, 2024, at approximately 5:30 am, Spruce Plains RCMP received a report of an armed robbery at a rest stop on Highway 16 at Highway 10. Four suspects stole a truck at gunpoint and fled westbound.
A short time later, Yellowhead RCMP received a report of four suspicious people in Strathclair. Officers attended the community immediately. Three suspects were taken into custody, but the fourth suspect fled on foot. It was believed that he could possibly be armed.
In an abundance of caution, the Strathclair Community School was placed in a hold and secure. There was a large police presence in the community looking for the suspect. The RCMP Emergency Response Team was called out and RCMP Police Dog Services attended to assist.
A short time later, the suspect was tracked by Police Service Dog Marook. The suspect was located hiding inside a vehicle in Strathclair and taken into custody. PSD Marook also located two firearms that have been recovered.
The four male suspects remain in custody.
Police are asking anyone with information related to this incident, specifically if anyone encountered the four suspects, to please call Spruce Plains RCMP at 204-476-7340, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.
The investigation continues.
