Photo: Seized shotgun - submitted

Two Hills RCMP, Bonnyville RCMP and surrounding detachments arrest car-jackers

On Jan. 22, 2026, around 12:40 a.m., Two Hills RCMP received a complaint regarding an armed robbery that took place on Highway 36 in Two Hills. The victim was sleeping in his car when two people approached, one wielding and discharging a shotgun at the back passenger window in order to get the victim out and steal the vehicle. The victim complied and the suspects drove off. Two Hills RCMP responded and were able to gather enough information on the vehicle to send out an alert to neighboring detachments.

Around 2:45 a.m., the vehicle was spotted near Bonnyville by Bonnyville RCMP members, who called in extra units and tracked the vehicle. The vehicle made its way to Cold Lake, Alta., where RCMP members attempted to pull the vehicle over. The vehicle fled at a high rate of speed and a pursuit ensued. Alberta RCMP Real-Time Operation Center (RTOC) coordinated the efforts and called in extra units, including Alberta RCMP Police Dog Services and Alberta RCMP Remote-Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), as well as activating the Alberta RCMP Emergency Response Team. The driver eventually drove into lease sites and abandoned the vehicle, choosing to flee on foot. The passenger remained and was arrested.

An Alberta RCMP Police Dog was deployed and was able to track, locate and incapacitate the suspect, leading to his arrest. The suspect was treated for minor injuries related to the dog bite. A modified shotgun was located and seized.

As a result of the investigation, John Sauve (20), who is suspected of driving the vehicle and wielding the shotgun, and Linda-Joyce Wood (20), both residents of Saddle Lake, Alta., were arrested.

• Sauve was charged with 13 offenses, including:

  • Robbery with firearm;

  • Discharging firearm;

  • Uttering threats;

  • Commission of an offense wearing a mask;

  • Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle;

  • Possession of stolen property over $5000; and

  • Failure to comply with court order.

• Wood was charged with 9 offences, including:

  • Robbery with firearm;

  • Discharging firearm;

  • Uttering threats;

  • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose;

  • Commission of an offense wearing a mask; and

  • Possession of stolen property over $5000.

Sauve and Wood were brought before a justice of the peace and remanded into custody. They are to appear before the Alberta Court of Justice in Vegreville on Jan. 26, 2026.

“This was another example of the various resources utilised by, and available to, Alberta RCMP jurisdictions” said Supt. Anthony Hanson, Assistant District Officer for Eastern Alberta District. “Thanks to our multiple resources, detachments, specialized units and the use of our Real-Time Operations Center, we had multiple sets of eyes searching for these individuals, who were a risk to public safety. This allowed us to quickly find the vehicle and apprehend the suspects safely, thus contributing to making the members of our community feel safer in their own homes and vehicles.”