By Liam Verster

Firearm Discharged at Campsite Sunday

Hinton RCMP searching for alleged campsite shooter at Wildhay Provincial Recreation area

May 26, 2021 | 10:29 AM

The Hinton RCMP are searching for a suspect in a firearm incident that took place near the WildHay River Provincial Recreation area over the long weekend.

Corporal Deanna Fontaine with the Alberta RCMP says on Sunday, May 23 at approximately 2:30 p.m., the RCMP responded to reports from the area of a firearm being discharged.

“The area was attended by police, persons were cleared of the area, evacuated in an essence, for safety reasons while the area was searched in an effort to locate the possible suspect believed to be involved, and as well to conduct the investigation and interview possible witnesses,” says Fontaine.

Officers searched the area for several hours, but the suspect was not located.

Fontaine confirmed that some evidence was found that confirmed the reports of a firearm being discharged, but would not share the particulars as the investigation is ongoing.

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No one was physically injured.

Fontaine says this is a very serious incident that needs to be fully investigated.

“Any kinds of firearms incidents where someone discharges a firearm into an area, especially a recreation area where people are camping, carries a lot of risk, and it’s illegal.”

RCMP say the suspect is described as a caucasian male, standing approximately 6′ tall, and weighing around 240 lbs. The suspect has a large abdomen, short, light coloured hair and no facial hair, though Fontaine says that could change quickly. He was reportedly wearing a rolled-up purple short sleeve shirt or t-shirt, and white shorts, possibly khakis or surf shorts.

The suspect may have been driving a side-by-side UTV with a yellow hood up.

Fontaine says the man may have stood out in his distinctive clothing and with a UTV, and as the investigation is ongoing, the RCMP is calling on the public to come forward with any information relating to this incident or the suspect.

“We’re seeking anyone who was in the area of the WildHay River Provincial Park recreation area on May 23rd around approximately 2:30 p.m. that may have seen this adult male with a firearm, or even [noted] this male’s movement prior to or after this incident.”

Anyone with information on the incident or the suspect is asked to contact the Hinton RCMP detachment at 780-865-2455 or call the local police immediately. Anonymous tips can also be reported through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the P3 Tips website or app.