RCMP have charged one area man with several offences in connection to the November 3 search for a wanted man that resulted in some rural residents south of Plamondon being evacuated from their homes.
Police have released further information — including the arrest of an area man — in the manhunt for a suspect in an alleged second-degree murder investigation. While the primary suspect is still at large, but believed to be out of the area, RCMP say they have arrested another man on 11 charges, including possession of a firearm in a vehicle, dangerous driving, drug possession and possession of property obtained by crime.
RCMP are reporting that while searching for a man wanted in connection to a shooting in the Buffalo Lake area in August, a truck suspected to be transporting the suspect was located in the Heart Lake area. A police pursuit was initiated that raced south for more than 100 kilometres, until a tire deflation device was utilized and the truck stopped near Range Road 162 and Township Road 670 south of Plamondon. Five people were in the vehicle at the time. All but one occupant fled the scene.
Three suspects were arrested a short time later in the area. Police seized three firearms, ammunition, a machete, and drugs believed to be methamphetamine from inside the truck. The truck was reported stolen from the Bonnyville area a few days prior.
Clayton Huppie, 37, of Lac La Biche is in custody and has been charged with 11 offences. He is scheduled to make his first appearance in Lac La Biche Provincial Court on the charges November 16.
The other occupants of the truck were not charged.
Darren Larose, 35, of Caslan remains at large. Larose is wanted in connection to an incident that occurred in the Buffalo Lake area on Oct. 26, where it is alleged a firearm was used in a robbery at a residence.
Police say Larose should not be approached as he is considered armed and dangerous. Anyone who may know his whereabouts is asked to contact Lac La Biche RCMP at 780-623-4380 or your local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
