Bar patrons chased after the man who fired two rounds of shots into the ceiling of the Hybrid Lounge on June 26.
Five witnesses to a reckless driver who tried to flee the scene after colliding with several vehicles and a townhouse held down the man in a park until police arrived on Cornett Drive on June 22.
The man was carrying a shotgun in a gun case and ammunition while he tried to get away.
A similar scene unfolded on June 28 when bystanders held a motorist in Fairview who was seen speeding throughout the neighbourhood and tried to flee after rolling his jeep.
A sawed-off shotgun was found in his jeep.
Red Deer RCMP Const. Derek Turner said police rely on the public but they do not want anyone to put themselves in risky situations.
“We are the ones that get paid to put ourselves at risk,” said Turner. “Help us do our jobs and let us do our jobs.”
The police want the public to help but not put themselves in harm’s way.
In all three recent incidents, the suspects had weapons, which aren’t always visible said Turner.
He said the suspects may respond in unpredictable ways and the situations could have been much worse.
No was injured in all three incidents.
“That’s something the general public doesn’t realize,” said Turner. “You may not see it on them on their person. They may have something on them and they may be well versed on the use of those items too.”
It may set the bystander up for a potential lawsuit or criminal charges depending on the situation, said Turner.
Turner said public safety and keeping everyone safe is our priority.
The public has a role to play as a good witness.
“What we want people to do is to be good witnesses,” he said. “Get descriptions of people, what they are wearing, what they are driving and the licence’s plate. Contact us right away so we can act on those things.”
In March Dawson Wegner Cramer, 23, was killed after trying to stop thieves from stealing his truck in Normandeau.
crhyno@www.reddeeradvocate.com