Suspects charged following kidnapping on Paul First Nation

PAUL FIRST NATION -- Three people have been charged in connection with a recent kidnapping on the Paul First Nation.

An investigation into the matter began after police received a report that on the evening of Apr. 13, two individuals were kidnapped, extorted, robbed, and assaulted. Mounties say the victims were restrained and held against their will at a local residence, where they were beaten, threatened, and robbed by three suspects. Two of the suspects were armed with firearms, which were discharged during the incident.

Parkland RCMP General Investigation Section (GIS) took carriage of the investigation and executed a search warrant at the scene, seizing several pieces of evidence. Arrest warrants were obtained for three individuals: a 20-year-old female, a 27-year-old male, and a 33-year-old male, who were all believed to be armed and dangerous.

On Apr. 19, the female suspect was located in Edmonton and arrested by Edmonton Police Service. The female has been remanded into custody. Then, on April 22, the 33-year-old male suspect was located by members of the RCMP Community Response Team and Central Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit in south Edmonton. The suspect was arrested safely without further incident, remanded in custody and evidence was located at two separate residences, including drugs, a firearm, and ammunition.

On Apr. 23, Parkland RCMP members arrested the remaining male suspect at a Spruce Grove restaurant after receiving a complaint that a male patron was refusing to pay for his meal and drinks. He was also remanded in custody.

"These violent occurrences often require a coordinated response", said Sgt. Collin Kuca, Commander of Parkland RCMP Plain Clothes Unit. "I am pleased to say that multiple units of the RCMP and the Edmonton Police Service worked seamlessly to apprehend these suspects who posed a serious risk to public safety."

As the investigation continues, RCMP are not releasing the suspects' names at this time. The suspects are facing several serious charges, including kidnapping, extortion, robbery with a firearm, assault causing bodily harm, and other weapons offences.