Bluffton, Alberta – At 6:20 a.m. today, Rimbey RCMP responded to a complaint of an armed robbery at the Bluffton City General Store. At 6:05 a.m., a male suspect failed to pay for his gas and grocery purchases. When confronted outside, the suspect fired a shot from what is believed to a small calibre firearm which struck the store clerk. The clerk was transported to a hospital with a non life-threatening injury.
Update, October 23 2020, 2:04pm: Suspect Brian Daniel Spence was arrested in Ohaton:
AT 10:15 a.m. on October 20, Wetaskiwin/Camrose RCMP became aware that Brian Spence was in a stolen vehicle near Ohaton, Alta. The stolen vehicle broke down and Spence fled on foot. Several RCMP resources were deployed to contain the area he was in, and to locate him. Police Dog Services (PDS) and the RCMP helicopter provided assistance.A significant track by PDS led to the RCMP locating Spence hiding in an outbuilding on a farm property. A high risk arrest was conducted and he was taken into custody. At the time of his arrest, Spence was wanted as well on an arrest warrant issued for Killam Detachment.
The truck that Spence was travelling in was stolen from Vegreville on October 19.
For his actions connected to the armed robbery, Spence is facing six criminal charges including aggravated assault and robbery.
