Multiple bear spray attacks, two RCMP officers injured

Two RCMP officers sustained minor injuries while pursuing suspects thought to be behind a sudden crime spree near Cochrane.

Beginning shortly after 10:00 p.m. on Monday, Cochrane RCMP were called to a series of serious crimes possibly committed by the same group of people.

Around 10:40 p.m., a pedestrian was assaulted by some motorists and attacked with what RCMP believe may have been bear spray.  Shortly after, a resident of Rocky View County discovered two males and a female in the garage of her home, where the intruders were rummaging through a vehicle.

Cochrane RCMP Traffic Services and Detachment encountered a suspect truck while responding to the call.  The suspect truck then rammed the police transport, causing minor injuries to a constable.

The truck was later stopped by police and the occupants fled on foot.  With the help of RCMP Police Dog Services, a young male and two adult females were arrested. Another constable from Cochrane Detachment suffered minor injuries while tracking these individuals.

Shortly after 11:00 p.m., another resident of Rocky View County encountered suspects in another truck near her home.  These assailants attempted to enter the home, and may have attempted to drive towards the home owner in the truck.  The truck struck the home and caused some damage.

Not long after, nearby residents found the suspects trying to steal vehicles in the neighbourhood.

Around 11:30 p.m., RCMP said a group of  "athletes" were attacked by an assailant with bear spray in Rocky View County.

Around 11:45 p.m., a motorist was attacked with bear spray during a possible attempt to steal his vehicle.

RCMP Forensic Identification Services, RCMP Police Dog Services, RCMP Traffic Reconstructionist services and Cochrane Detachment General Duty member and General Investigation Services continue to investigate.

RCMP said both injured constables are recovering with minor injuries; the victim of the ramming was examined at hospital and has been released.

This morning, RCMP arrested another adult male and an adult female associated to the spree.  The stolen blue Dodge Ram pickup has also been recovered.

Megan Rider (18) of Morley has been charged with the following:

• One count of Robbery with an Offensive Weapon
• One count of B&E and Commit Theft of MV
• One count of Obstruct Peace Officer
• One count of Possess Stolen Property over $5000
• One count of Possess a Weapon dangerous to the public
• Two counts of Assault with a Weapon
• Two counts of Break & Enter into a Residence
• One count of Theft of Truck

• Robbery with an Offensive Weapon
• B&E and Commit Theft of MV
• Obstruct Peace Officer
• Possess Stolen Property over $5000
• Possess a Weapon dangerous to the public
• 2 X Assault with a Weapon
• 2 X Break & Enter into a Residence
• Theft of Truck
• Disguise with intent
• Flight from Police Cause Bodily Harm
• Assault with a Weapon
• Breach of Probation

RCMP are actively seeking input from the community.  If you have information about these events, please contact Cochrane Detachment at 403-851-8000.