Ponoka schools went on brief lockdown Thursday morning after reports of a high speed police pursuit on Highway 2A from Maskwacis.
Wolf Creek Public Schools (WCPS) issued a release at about 10:30 a.m. that schools were on lockdown at about 8:10 a.m. as a precautionary measure. The School Resource Officer contacted WCPS about the issue and schools locked down.
Ponoka RCMP issued a release stating that the pursuit started from Maskwacis.
“…with suspects believed to be involved in a serious of armed robberies,” states the Ponoka RCMP release.
Wetaskiwin RCMP confirmed later in the day that four suspects are in custody following the pursuit, which lasted more than one hour.
“The pursuit originated in Maskwacis at approximately 8:15 a.m. and traveled through Wetaskiwin area, onto Highway 2, near Millet and back into Maskwacis where it came to a stop,” states an RCMP release.
RCMP resources were deployed and police recommended Ponoka schools initiate their lock down procedure to ensure public safety.
The lock-down was soon lifted as the suspects were then northbound on Highway 2 towards Wetaskiwin. The suspects were safely apprehended a short while later in a field in Maskwacis.
Several detachments were involved in this investigation.
Wetaskiwin, Maskwacis, and Leduc RCMP were involved as well as the RCMP Emergency Response Team and Police Dog Services. The Wetaskiwin general investigation section is managing the continuing investigation.
Information related to the reason for this pursuit is still under active police investigation and an update will be provided when able.
Throughout the pursuit this morning, police say public safety remained a priority at all times. The investigation is in its infancy and currently no charges have been laid.
An update will be provided by the RCMP when available.
