The Alberta RCMP’s Central Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit (CAD CRU), with assistance from numerous support units, made arrests on Oct. 24, 2025, after pursuing two suspects for a week.

On Oct. 19, 2025, Rocky Mountain House RCMP responded to a complaint of an armed robbery with a firearm at a gas station in Caroline, Alta., where one of two suspects discharged a firearm twice at an employee. Fortunately, no one was injured. Suspects fled before police arrival.

Then on Oct. 21, 2025, Sylvan Lake RCMP responded to a suspicious male complaint near Eckville, Alta. Upon arrival, it was determined that the suspicious male was in possession of a stolen vehicle. Officers attempted to arrest the male, who resisted arrest, attempted to disarm the officer and assaulted the officer. The officer was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries. During this investigation, officers uncovered evidence linking the suspect to the armed robbery in Caroline.

Victor L’Hirondelle (29), has been charged for his involvement in the Caroline armed robbery. He was remanded into custody to appear in Red Deer on Nov. 5. His charges include:

• Armed Robbery (Caroline)

• Disguise with intent (Caroline)

• Overcoming resistance for the commission of indictable (choking police officer)

• Assault PO

• Disarming a police officer

• Possession of stolen property x 2 (truck and dirt bike)

• Resist arrest

On Oct. 22, 2025, CAD General Investigation Section and Emergency Response Team South, executed a search warrant in Alix, Alta., where the two suspects were believed to be. Unfortunately, they were not located at this time.

Continued investigation led to officers identifying a stolen Mazda CX-5, which was at a residence in southeast Edmonton, believed to be related to the two suspects. On Oct. 24, the Provincial Community Response Team and Wetaskiwin CRU assisted with surveillance of the Edmonton address. The Alberta RCMP’s Real Time Operation Centre and Edmonton Police Service (EPS) Duty Officer were also engaged. EPS Tactical Team were engaged to enter residence; however, the suspect vehicle left the residence prior to entry.

Covert surveillance by EPS Air-1 and RCMP Air Services helicopter tracked the vehicle to the Beaumont area. Air Services followed for some time and recorded very dangerous driving on Highway 21. A speed of 200 km/hr was maintained and up to 215 km/hr was recorded while passing vehicles on the left and right of the driving lane. The suspect vehicle also passed an ambulance at one point, as well as a police vehicle with emergency equipment activated.

As the vehicle approached the Bashaw Esso, a CAD CRU officer contacted a store employee, told them to turn off the fuel pumps and lock the doors as it was anticipated the suspects would be attempting to refuel. The suspects approached the Bashaw Esso where one suspect attempted to steal an occupied vehicle at gun point. Covert RCMP and Police Service Dog units disrupted the armed robbery, but the suspect vehicle fled the parking lot and drove a short distance before driving off road in a single vehicle roll over. Two suspects were arrested.

A search of the vehicle resulted in three firearms being seized. CAD GIS obtained a judicial authorization for the Edmonton residence, and two firearms were located and seized, along with ammunition. All five firearms were determined to have been stolen.

Dillon Bristow (31), has been charged with 77 criminal code offences, some of which include:

• Armed robbery with firearm (Caroline)

• Discharge with intent (Caroline)

• Disguise with intent to commit indictable (Caroline)

• Armed robbery with firearm (Bashaw)

• Disguise with intent to commit indictable (Bashaw)

• Flight from police (Bashaw)

• Pointing a firearm (Bashaw)

• Dangerous driving (Bashaw)

• Careless use of a firearm (Bashaw)

• Numerous firearms related charges

Bristow is currently bound by four separate firearm prohibition orders and has been in possession of multiple firearms. After a Judicial Interim Release Hearing, Bristow was remanded into custody to appear in Alberta Court of Justice on Oct. 25, and then Oct. 27, 2025. His next court appearance will be on Nov. 10, 2025, in Red Deer.

The second suspect, a 14-year-old female, has not been charged at this point in the investigation. 

This was a very elaborate series of investigations and RCMP would like to acknowledge all contributing units and police services:

• CAD CRU and GIS

• Edmonton Police Service officers, Air 1 and Tac Team

• K Division North & South ERT

• RCMP Air Services

• Provincial Community Response Team

• Wetaskiwin CRU

• Interview Assistance Team

• Rocky Mountain House and Sylvan Lake RCMP, Camrose Police Service and numerous RCMP Police Dog Services units

• RCMP Analysts

“This file showcases the seamless interoperability of the various units and partners of the Alberta RCMP” said Supt. Keith Horwood, Assistant District Officer for Central Alberta RCMP. “Thanks to our Real-Time Operations Centre and our various analysts, we are able to more safely and efficiently conduct various types of investigations”.