St. Albert schools lock doors while RCMP hunt for guys carrying guns

EDMONTON — Schools in two areas of St. Albert were forced into “Hold & Secure” mode Wednesday morning, while RCMP searched for three males carrying firearms.

RCMP say the outside doors of schools in the Lacombe and Mission communities were locked as a precautionary measure, but students and staff were able to move inside the buildings.

“Hold & Secure” is typically used by police when there is a security threat, or unrelated criminal activity outside of a school. No one is allowed in or out of the building until the threat is lifted.

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Just before 9 a.m. St. Albert RCMP were called to a break and enter on Lester Crescent. A male resident reported to police that he heard banging on his back door, when he opened it he saw three males dressed in dark clothing. Their faces were covered and they were carrying firearms.

After forcing their way inside the home, words were exchanged and the three males fled in an older dark-coloured sedan.

Numerous RCMP units, including the RCMP Police Dog Services Unit, were called to the scene to try to locate the suspects. After about 30 minutes the “Hold & Secure” was lifted.

RCMP are interviewing people who live in the area and are asking for help to identify the suspects.

St. Albert RCMP at 780-458-7700, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).