February of 2023, a series of break and enters occurred in Rocky View County, Alta. On Feb. 2, 2023, a male wearing a mask broke into a residence and was confronted by the homeowner. A confrontation occurred resulting in the homeowner being assaulted by the masked assailant. The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
The Cochrane Crime Reduction Unit investigation identified a suspect through DNA left at the crime scene. Police tracked the suspect to a residence in Calgary, and on March 16, 2023, a search warrant was executed with the assistance of the Calgary Police Services Tactical Unit.
During the search, police noticed indicators of items being stashed inside several walls inside the residence. Police found key evidence in the walls that linked the suspect to the assault along with stolen property from other rural break and enters.
Cochrane RCMP's Detachment Commander Staff Sergeant Chad Fournier says, "Residents of rural communities have the right to feel safe in their home and addressing rural crime is a priority for the Cochrane RCMP and the Crime Reduction Unit."
A 35-year-old individual, a resident of Calgary, has been charged with the following:
- Break and enter (x4)
- Assault
- Disguise with intent
- Possession of property obtained by crime
The individual has been remanded into custody and will appear in Airdrie Provincial Court on March 30, 2023.
Investigation is on-going.