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Zachary Dylan Littlechild. (Ponoka RCMP)
Charges Pending

Ponoka RCMP advise of police incident, advise residents to shelter in place

May 7, 2023 | 6:24 PM

UPDATE: 10:20 a.m. May 8, 2023

Ponoka RCMP have made an arrest in connection with the ongoing police incident in Ponoka County.

Mounties say there is no longer a risk to the community.

Police say a report from the public of a suspicious person resulted in RCMP locating the suspect.

“We appreciate everyone’s cooperation and patience during this incident,” reads a state,ent from Ponoka RCMP.

Mounties say an additional release with details will be provided once charges are laid.

UPDATE: 8:07 a.m. May 8, 2023

RCMP are lifting the Police Initiated Public Alert advising area residents to shelter in place.

Mounties say they have conducted an exhaustive search of the area with the assistance of the RCMP Emergency Response Team, Air Services, Police Dog Service, and officers from Ponoka, Maskwacis, Red Deer, Wetaskiwin, Bashaw, and Leduc Detachments but were unsuccessful in locating Zachary Dylan Littlechild.

RCMP ask that residents in the Ponoka and Maskwacis area remain vigilant as police continue to search for this suspect. Mounties say additional patrols will be in place to ensure increased safety to residents.

Littlechild is considered armed and dangerous. If seen do not approach. Please call 911 immediately.

RCMP say a release with additional details about this incident is anticipated.

UPDATE: 6:15 a.m. May 8, 2023

The Police Initiated Public Alert advising area residents to shelter in place remains. RCMP say no new information is available at this time.

A release with additional details in anticipated.

UPDATE: 3:08 a.m. May 8, 2023

The Police Initiated Public Alert advising area residents to shelter in place remains. No new information is available at this time.

UPDATE: 12:05 a.m. May 8, 2023

The Police Initiated Public Alert advising area residents to shelter in place remains. No new information is available at this time.

UPDATE: 10:09 p.m. May 7, 2023

RCMP remain on scene at the incident in Ponoka County.

RCMP have sent out a Police Initiated Public Alert (PIPA) to area residents. No new information is available at this time.

UPDATE: 8:36 p.m. May 7, 2023

RCMP continue the search for an armed suspect last seen in the area of Township Road 422 and Range Road 245a in Ponoka County.

RCMP are looking for 30-year-old Maskwacis resident, Zachary Dylan Littlechild, who is described as:

  • 6’3” tall
  • 249 pounds
  • Brown hair with blond tips
  • Short buzz cut
  • Blue eyes
  • Last seen wearing a Black shirt and track pants.

Littlechild is considered armed and dangerous. If seen do not approach. Please call 911 immediately.

If you have an information regarding the whereabouts of Zachary Dylan Littlechild, you are asked to contact 911. If you wish to remain anonymous you can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), by Internet at www.tipsubmit.com or by SMS (check your local Crime Stoppers www.crimestoppers.ab.ca for instructions). To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play. To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.

5:56 p.m., May 7, 2023

Ponoka RCMP are currently on scene at a rural location near Township Road 422 and Range Road 245a in Ponoka County attempting to search for and effect an arrest of an armed suspect.

While officers respond we are asking all residents in the area to shelter in place, do not pick up people on the roadway, and secure doors and windows. Please call 911 if you see anything suspicious.

Police ask residents to reframe from posting pictures of responding members on social media until after the incident is over.

Additional updates will be provided when available.