After a shot was fired at an isolated campground Thursday night during an incident west of Innisfail, RCMP responded with major reinforcements.
Police are now searching for two men described as armed and dangerous.
Shortly after 7:30 p.m., Innisfail RCMP were called to a report of the attempted robbery at Kelly’s Campground, about 20 kms west of Innisfail. Police said the two suspects drove into the campground in a yellow extended cab Dodge pickup truck with black stripes on the box.
Kelly’s Campground is operated by the Innisfail Fish and Game Association. Treasurer Marlene Davis said it is a quiet, family campground and at the time there were children playing.
“They came in full tilt down the hill,” said Davis. “They busted through the gate.
“They did pull out a gun and shoot, which is very scary.”
Witness reports said the vehicle stopped in front of one of the RV lots and the driver exited the truck and spoke to the lone occupant of the site.
“The driver wanted the occupant of the RV site to give him his vehicle. They wanted him to give up his vehicle and the occupant refused.”
According to police, the situation escalated and one suspect fired a shot from a handgun into the ground and then fled the scene in the yellow truck. A second suspect was inside the truck.
Members from eight RCMP detachments along with RCMP Air Services Helicopter, Red Deer Forensic Identification Section and Police Dog Services responded to the scene and surrounding area.
Police describe the suspects as Caucasian men in their early to mid 20s and wearing dark clothing. One male was reported to have red hair and the other had light brown hair.
A short time after the initial incident, the yellow truck was located in Bowden. It had been stolen from a rural location near Pine Lake.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Innisfail RCMP detachment at 403-227-3342 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
mcrawford@www.reddeeradvocate.com