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An empty highway through a mountain landscape with “Drive Safe” painted on the road and a roadside sign reading “Happy Thanksgiving.”

RCMP step up highway enforcement for Thanksgiving weekend

Written on . Posted in RCMP & Public Safety.

Drivers can expect more RCMP traffic enforcement on Alberta highways this Thanksgiving long weekend.

Alberta RCMP are taking part in Operation Impact, a national campaign by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police aimed at reducing preventable collisions, injuries and deaths. The campaign’s message this year is that safety is in each road user’s hands.

“We are seeing a concerning trend in fatal collisions on Alberta roads,” says Cpl. Mike Warman of Alberta RCMP Traffic Services. “All road users have a part to play in road safety. By making responsible choices behind the wheel and looking out for one another, we can help prevent tragedies and keep our roads safe this Thanksgiving weekend.”

RCMP offer these reminders:

  • Don’t drive impaired. Alcohol and drugs affect judgment and reaction time, and impaired driving is a criminal offence.
  • Don’t drive tired. Fatigue makes it harder to focus and slows reaction time.
  • Don’t drive distracted. Texting, calling or handling a device raises the risk of a collision. Set up your hands-free device, GPS and music before you leave, and adjust them only when safely parked.
  • Buckle up. Make sure everyone in the vehicle wears a seatbelt or is in the right child safety seat.
  • Drive responsibly. Avoid aggressive driving and unnecessary risks, obey speed limits and follow the rules of the road.

Anyone who sees dangerous or impaired driving over the long weekend should call 911.

Alberta RCMP post traffic safety information on Facebook at @RCMPinAlberta and on X at @RCMPAlberta.

Impaired Driving, Operation Impact, Road Safety

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How to protect farm fuel and equipment from theft this harvest

Written on . Posted in RCMP & Public Safety.

As farmers across southwestern Alberta work to finish the harvest, Alberta RCMP are reminding them to keep an eye on their fuel.

Alberta RCMP say fuel and equipment are often left unattended in fields and other remote spots during busy seasons like seeding and harvest. Those places are harder to watch and can give thieves an opening, but a few simple precautions can discourage theft and make suspicious activity easier to spot.

Light it up

  • Improve lighting around fuel storage areas and equipment, including motion-activated lights near tanks, pumps and dispensing areas.
  • Make sure yard lights reach fuel and equipment storage, and replace burned-out bulbs promptly.
  • Consider solar-powered lights where electrical access is limited.

Lock it down

  • Use durable, weather-resistant locks on tank caps, valves and access points, and lock pumps and dispensing equipment when they aren’t in use.
  • Consider anti-siphon devices or valves to make it harder to remove fuel.
  • Put fuel-cap locks on tractors, combines, trucks and other equipment that may be left unattended.
  • Remove keys and secure equipment whenever it isn’t being used.

Keep track

  • Check fuel inventory and tank levels regularly so a theft or loss shows up quickly.
  • Compare fuel use with the work being done in the field.
  • Look into any unexplained drop in fuel levels right away.
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Keep watch

  • When practical, park equipment where it can be seen from nearby homes or buildings.
  • Consider cameras or trail cameras for equipment that has to stay in remote locations.
  • Post signs saying the property is monitored by video surveillance, where that applies.

Report it

Police ask that stolen fuel or equipment be reported as soon as possible. Prompt reports help officers gather information while it’s fresh and spot connections between thefts in neighbouring rural areas.

In the Pincher Creek area, call the Pincher Creek RCMP detachment at 403-627-6000. In Crowsnest Pass, call the Crowsnest Pass RCMP detachment at 403-562-2866. Call 911 if a crime is in progress.

Alberta RCMP share more safety tips on Facebook at @RCMPinAlberta and on X at @RCMPAlberta.

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Agriculture, Agriculture and Rural Life, Farm Safety, Fuel Theft, Rural Crime, Rural Crime Watch

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Two charged after remains found in burned vehicle near Longview

Written on . Posted in RCMP & Public Safety.

Two Lethbridge residents are charged with first-degree murder in the death of a Calgary man whose remains were found in a burned vehicle in Foothills County in February, according to Alberta RCMP.

Vance Pidborochynski, 37, and Shelby Filkowski, 30, are charged in the death of Frans Faras.

Emergency crews were called to a grass fire south of Eden Valley at about 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 4. After the fire was put out, firefighters found a burned vehicle with human remains inside. The area is near the intersection of highways 22 and 540, south of Longview and near the Bar U Ranch National Historic Site.

RCMP Major Crimes took over the investigation. Later in February, police identified the deceased as a 24-year-old man from Calgary and called his death suspicious.

Both accused had judicial interim release hearings and made a first court appearance on Monday, Oct. 5, and both have been remanded into custody. Filkowski is scheduled to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Okotoks on Friday, Oct. 30, and Pidborochynski in Calgary on Thursday, Nov. 5.

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Death Investigations | Homicides

A police car roof with red and blue flashing lights against a blurred cityscape; the word “ASIRT” is boldly overlaid on the image.

ASIRT investigating injury to patient at High River hospital

Written on . Posted in RCMP & Public Safety.

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team is investigating a case involving a patient at High River General Hospital who was injured after barricading himself in a room.

Shortly before 2:45 a.m. March 21, Alberta Health Services protective services officers, who are peace officers, responded to a request for help with an aggressive patient. During the response, the patient was injured and required medical treatment. ASIRT announced its investigation Oct. 6, more than six months later.

ASIRT is part of the Police Review Commission, an independent civilian-led agency. The commission has directed ASIRT to investigate the case as a Level 1 matter. Level 1 matters are cases involving serious injury or death, or serious or sensitive allegations about an officer’s actions. Under changes to the Peace Officer Act that took effect in December 2025, ASIRT’s jurisdiction now extends to peace officers for Level 1 matters.

ASIRT says the investigation is ongoing and no further information is available.

ASIRT investigates potential criminal offences involving law enforcement officers across Alberta, including cases where an officer’s actions may have resulted in serious injury or death.

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Heart rate graphic over orange background with text reading "EMERGENCY ROOM CLOSURE" on top and "Fort Macleod Health centre" on bottom.

Fort Macleod ER closed tonight, Pincher Creek among backups

Written on . Posted in Health & Wellness.

The emergency department at Fort Macleod Health Centre will be closed overnight, from 11 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5, until 7 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, Alberta Health Services says.

AHS says it couldn’t find staff to cover the shift on short notice. If coverage turns up, the closure will be cancelled.

Anyone with a medical emergency during those hours should call 911. Ambulances will keep running and will take patients to nearby hospitals, including Pincher Creek Health Centre, Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge, Cardston Health Centre and Claresholm Community Health Centre.

For non-emergency health questions, Health Link is available 24 hours a day at 811. Local pharmacies can also help with some needs.

Residents with concerns about the closure can call AHS Patient Relations at 1-855-550-2555.

Alberta Health Notices

Aspen Wilson located safe, Valleyview RCMP cancel Amber Alert

Written on . Posted in RCMP & Public Safety.

Update — Oct. 5 at 12:10 p.m.

Valleyview RCMP have cancelled the Amber Alert for seven-year-old Aspen Wilson. RCMP say she has been located safe, and the suspect has been arrested and is in custody. No further details have been provided.

Original post — Oct. 5 at 10:30 a.m.

Valleyview RCMP have issued an Amber Alert for seven-year-old Aspen Wilson. RCMP say she was taken from Valleyview by her stepfather, Alexander Stone, 28.

The alert, issued Monday, Oct. 5 at 10:15 a.m., is in effect across Alberta. RCMP say Stone may be driving toward Slave Lake or Red Deer in a grey 2004 Chevrolet Venture van with Alberta licence plate CWY 3459.

Aspen is described as:

— 4 feet tall
— Curly, shoulder-length blond hair and blue eyes

Stone is described as:

— 6 feet 5 inches tall and 185 pounds
— Brown hair and hazel eyes

RCMP ask anyone who sees the vehicle, Aspen or Stone not to approach and to call 911 or the RCMP at 310-RCMP (310-7267).

Correction: An earlier version of this post, based on information from RCMP, said Alexander Stone has brown eyes. RCMP have since corrected his description. He has hazel eyes.

 

 

 

Amber Alerts, Missing Persons

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Fire ban and restrictions in effect across southwestern Alberta

Written on . Posted in RCMP & Public Safety, Weather.

Dry conditions and rising fire danger have prompted new fire restrictions across the region.

A fire ban is now in effect for the Town of Pincher Creek, the Village of Cowley, Piikani Nation and the Municipal District of Pincher Creek.

The Municipality of Crowsnest Pass has moved from a Fire Advisory to a Fire Restriction, and Waterton Lakes National Park is under its own fire restriction as well.

Pincher Creek, Cowley, Piikani Nation and MD of Pincher Creek — Fire Ban

Under the ban:

  • No new debris or fire pit permits will be issued.
  • Existing debris permits are cancelled.
  • Existing and new recreational fire pit and burn barrel permits are suspended until conditions improve.
  • Fireworks are prohibited.
  • All open fire is prohibited.
  • Propane barbecues and fire pits are still permitted.

People are asked to use caution with off-highway vehicles.

The ban will remain in effect until conditions improve. For more information, call 403-627-5333.

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Crowsnest Pass — Fire Restriction

The restriction took effect July 29, and will remain in place until conditions improve or further escalation is needed.

Not allowed:

Outdoor wood fires on public land, including backcountry and random camping areas

Any burning on private land, other than a campfire

Fireworks and exploding targets

Still allowed:

  • Backyard fire pits
  • Propane fire pits and gas-powered appliances
  • Charcoal and wood-burning devices with an on/off switch
  • Indoor wood fires
  • Open-flame oil devices

For more information, contact the municipal office at 403-562-8833.

Waterton — Fire Restriction

Campfires are permitted only in designated Parks Canada metal fire rings or boxes and cook stoves within cooking shelters.

Building a rock ring in place of these designated pits is not permitted, and random fires are never allowed.

To safely enjoy a campfire in the park:

  • Keep campfires small and only in designated fire rings or boxes.
  • Never leave a campfire unattended.
  • Completely extinguish campfires with water — soak it, stir it, and soak it again until it’s cool to the touch before leaving it.
  • Naturally occurring wildfires, such as those from lightning strikes, can’t be prevented, but human-caused fires can. Parks Canada asks the public to help keep communities and first responders safe by not lighting illegal campfires.

Report wildfires, illegal campfires or suspicious smoke to Parks Canada Dispatch at 1-888-927-3367.

For the most current fire ban information, visit albertafirebans.ca.

Fire Bans, Fire Restrictions

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Fort Macleod ED without physician coverage overnight

Written on . Posted in Health & Wellness.

The emergency department at Fort Macleod Health Centre will be without physician coverage from 7 p.m. Thursday, July 23, to 7 a.m. Friday, July 24, because of an unexpected shortage of clinical staff.

Nursing staff will remain on-site during that time, providing triage, assessment and referral to emergency departments in neighbouring communities as needed.

Anyone with a medical emergency during the overnight period is asked to call 911. Emergency Health Services will continue to serve the community and will re-route patients to surrounding facilities, including Claresholm General Hospital, Pincher Creek Health Centre, Chinook Regional Hospital and Cardston Health Centre.

Health Link is available 24/7 at 811 for non-emergency health questions, and local pharmacies can help with some needs.

AHS says it is still working to find coverage, and the disruption will be cancelled if staff are secured.

Residents with concerns can contact AHS Patient Relations at 1-855-550-2555.

Physician Shortage

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ASIRT investigating death after Lethbridge police interaction

Written on . Posted in RCMP & Public Safety.

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team is investigating the death of a man following an interaction with a Lethbridge Police Service officer at the Lethbridge Viaduct, commonly known as the High Level Bridge.

Lethbridge police received several 911 calls about 7:30 p.m. July 13 reporting a man walking west on the bridge, a railway trestle that is not open to pedestrians.

One of three responding officers went onto the bridge and approached the man near the middle. ASIRT says the officer spoke with the man and directed him to leave, but he remained, and the two continued to speak. About 8 p.m., following an interaction between them, the man went over the side of the bridge. Paramedics declared him dead at the scene.

ASIRT says its investigation will examine the officer’s actions and the circumstances surrounding the death, including what happened immediately before the man went over the side.

The Police Review Commission directed ASIRT to investigate the case as a Level 1 matter. Under the Police Act, that category covers cases involving serious injury or death, or serious or sensitive concerns about an officer’s actions.

ASIRT is part of the Police Review Commission, an independent civilian-led agency that investigates potential criminal offences involving police across Alberta, including cases where an officer’s actions may have resulted in serious injury or death.

The investigation is ongoing and ASIRT says no further information is available.

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Police Act, Police Oversight

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Ohanes (Johnny) Melkon missing since 2007, RCMP still looking

Written on . Posted in RCMP & Public Safety.

Innisfail RCMP are asking for help finding Ohanes Melkon, who has been missing for 19 years.

Melkon, also known as Johnny, was last seen March 28, 2007, leaving his home on 56th Street in Innisfail. He was 27 at the time. His family reported him missing April 3 that year, after they lost contact with him and he stopped showing up for work.

Originally from Montreal, Melkon had moved to Alberta for work in May 2005. He worked for a pipeline company in Blackfalds and built fences seasonally in the Sylvan Lake area, and was known to spend time in Red Deer, Blackfalds, Sylvan Lake, Penhold and Innisfail.

He is described as five foot nine and 161 pounds, with a slender build, brown eyes and a medium complexion. He had black hair and was sometimes bald or shaven-headed. He would now be 46.

RCMP say the case has remained active since 2007 and investigators are urging anyone with information, however small, to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to call Innisfail RCMP at 403-227-3342. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online at P3Tips.com, or through the P3 Tips app.

Cold Cases, Missing Persons

Fire restriction notice for Pincher Creek area with prohibited fire symbol

Fire restriction now in effect — firepits still allowed

Written on . Posted in RCMP & Public Safety.

A fire restriction is now in effect for the town of Pincher Creek and surrounding municipal district, the village of Cowley and Piikani Nation, in response to recent and forecast warm, dry conditions.

Under the restriction:

—No new debris-burning permits will be issued, and existing debris-burning permits will not be extended.

—Fireworks are prohibited.

—Recreational firepit and burn barrel permits remain active and are still being issued.

Residents are asked to use caution with open flames and off-highway vehicles, which can spark grass fires in dry conditions.

The restriction will stay in effect until conditions change. For more information, call 403-627-5333 or visit albertafirebans.ca.

Fire Restrictions, Wildfire Prevention