Update: Oct. 23 at 10:38am

On Oct. 21, 2025, around 2:05 p.m., Westlock RCMP responded to a call regarding a store employee who was stabbed by a suspected shoplifter. The suspect was arrested and later identified. Investigation revealed that the suspect had, on Sept. 15, 2025, shoplifted from the same store, assaulting an employee in the process.  Furthermore, the suspect also had an arrest warrant for mischief and failure to appear in court our of Edmonton, which was executed.

As a result of the investigation, Julian Kooteney (20), a resident of High Prairie, Alta., was charged with:

• Aggravated assault;

• Assault causing bodily harm;

• Assault;

• Carrying concealed weapon;

• Possession of edged weapon contrary to order;

• Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose;

• Possession of stolen property under $5000; and

• Obstruct police (x2).

Kooteney was brought before a justice of the peace and remanded into custody, to appear before the Alberta Court of Justice in Morinville on Oct. 23, 2025.

“This file highlights the importance of calling in any suspicious or criminal activity” said S/Sgt. Jeff Sehn, Detachment Commander of the Westlock RCMP. “Thanks to reports, we were not only able to quickly apprehend the suspect but also link him to a prior incident. We want the members of our community to know that all information regarding criminal activity is kept, allowing for crimes to be solved once more information becomes available”.

Westlock, Alta. – Westlock RCMP is aware of concerns regarding an incident that took place at a local grocery store this afternoon and would like to inform the public of the following: On Oct. 21, 2025, around 2:05 p.m., Westlock RCMP responded to a call regarding a store employee who was stabbed by a suspected shoplifter. Westlock RCMP responded immediately, with Westlock RCMP Traffic Unit being closest. They were able to quickly locate the suspect and take him into custody without incident. The victim was tended by EMS and transported to hospital with unknown injuries.

Charges are pending and an update will be sent once charges have been laid. Westlock RCMP wants to reassure the community that there is no danger to the public and the suspect is indeed in custody.