Arrest warrant issued after vehicle break-ins, armed suspect search in west Edmonton

Edmonton police have issued an arrest warrant after a suspect broke into several vehicles in west Edmonton Tuesday night, triggering a large police response and a flurry of misinformation on social media.

At around 9:15 p.m., police responded to a “theft from auto” call after a man was spotted going through vehicles near 204th Street and 54th Avenue in The Hamptons neighbourhood.

Half an hour later, police patrolling on foot spotted a man who matched the description in an alley one block east. When officers approached the man and told him he was being detained, he pulled out what appeared to be a gun and fled.

Police, including the canine unit, searched the neighbourhood and received a few calls about a man banging on doors, but they were unable to track him down.

Officers went door-to-door to gather information from residents and asked them to say indoors while the search was carried out.

There were unofficial reports circulating on Facebook suggesting a home invasion had occurred and the neighbourhood was on lockdown, but Edmonton police said that was inaccurate.

Police reminded residents to check with official sources like the EPS Twitter and Facebook page before sharing unverified information.

A warrant has been issued for 37-year-old Duane Edward Laver. He is wanted for for possession of a weapon, carry concealed weapon, obstruction and two counts of possession of stolen property.

With files from Kevin Robertson, 630 CHED