RCMP seeking three suspects after truck theft in Vilna

The Smoky Lake RCMP are intensifying efforts to locate three suspects following a truck theft incident that unfolded near Vilna on April 22. While one individual has been apprehended, authorities continue their search for the remaining suspects. 

The sequence of events began when the Smoky Lake RCMP received a distress call regarding a break-in on Township Road 602 in Smoky Lake County. The caller reported witnessing three or more armed individuals entering their rural property and allegedly taking items from outbuildings.  

According to Cpl. Troy Savinkoff, the suspects, armed with long guns, were spotted by the victims during the theft. Subsequently, the perpetrators made off with the victims’ red 1997 Mazda B2300 pick-up truck bearing Alberta license plate LWAS380, along with another vehicle.  

Members of the Smoky Lake detachment managed to locate both vehicles, initiating an attempt to deploy tire deflation devices. However, one of the vehicles swerved towards an officer, narrowly missing him before getting stuck in a ditch.  

Following the incident, two suspects fled from the vehicle, later revealed to have been stolen from the Cold Lake area on March 30. Law enforcement promptly mobilized a comprehensive response, enlisting the assistance of St. Paul, Lac La Biche and Boyle RCMP detachments, along with K9 units, the Emergency Response Team, and the Eastern Alberta Crime Reduction Unit.  

During the pursuit, one suspect, identified as 21-year-old Philip Hope from Saddle Lake, was apprehended. Hope faces multiple charges including robbery with a firearm, assault on a peace officer with a weapon, mischief over $5000, possession of property obtained by crime, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and flight from the police. He has been remanded into custody awaiting a future court date at the Alberta Court of Justice in Fort Saskatchewan.  

Despite this arrest, authorities continue their search for the remaining suspects, as well as the stolen red Mazda B2300. The RCMP urges anyone with information regarding the incident or the whereabouts of the suspects to come forward.