On December 24, 2025, shortly after 6 p.m., Lac La Biche RCMP responded immediately to a firearm related call where a rural resident reported an unknown male was in his yard when he returned home. Subsequently, one male in a pickup truck pointed a long gun at him, demanded him to leave, and stole a vehicle from his property.

On January 4, 2026, while on patrol Lac La Biche RCMP located this stolen vehicle in Lac La Biche and the male driver was arrested. Further police investigation led a local motel where the robbery suspect was believed to be staying. On January 5, 2026, a search warrant was granted for police to search a specific motel room linked to the suspect. Prior to attempting an arrest, four nearby schools were advised to hold and secure, while neighbouring motel rooms were evacuated for public safety. The robbery suspect, Sonny Giant, was subsequently arrested without incident and has been remanded in police custody.

Sonny Ray Giant, 44-years-old, of Fort McMurray, a known prolific offender, is facing multiple charges including break and enter to a residence, pointing a firearm and robbery. Giant is set to appear in Lac La Biche Provincial Court on January 12, 2026.

During this police investigation, the Lac La Biche RCMP worked with the assistance of several RCMP partnering units including the Real Time Operation Centre in Edmonton, Eastern Alberta District’s Crime Reduction Unit, Forensic Identification Section, Emergency Response Team, and Critical Incident Command.

“Protecting the people in our communities is our top priority” says Staff Sergeant Chris Mosley, Lac La Biche RCMP Detachment Commander. “The quick actions of Lac La Biche RCMP and support from various RCMP units led to the apprehension of this prolific offender. We want to thank those who were impacted by the police operation for their support and cooperation.”