(Strathmore RCMP)

By rdnewsNOW staff

Second Suspect Being Sought

Murder charge laid in fatal Rocky View County shooting

Aug 13, 2024 | 9:41 AM

Alberta RCMP have now laid charges in connection with a tragic shooting that occurred in Rocky View County on Aug. 6, 2024.

Mounties have charged Edmonton resident 35-year-old Arthur Wayne Penner with the first-degree-murder of Airdrie resident Colin John Hough as well as attempted murder of another individual. Police say Penner has been arrested and taken before a justice of the peace. He has been remanded into custody with his next court date set for Aug. 15, 2024, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Airdrie.

Additionally, RCMP continue to search for the second suspect in the shooting. Elijah Blake Strawberry, 28-years-old, now has a warrant for his arrest for the second-degree-murder of Colin Hough. RCMP are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Strawberry.

Elijah Strawberry is described as:

• Light complexion
• 6 feet 1 inch tall
• 169 pounds
• Several arm and face tattoos.
• Brown Hair

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RCMP say Elijah Strawberry is considered armed and dangerous. If seen do not approach, dial 911 immediately.

Alberta RCMP wish to offer a timeline into the investigation that led to both an arrest and a warrant for arrest.

On Aug. 6, 2024, around noon hour, officers from the Strathmore RCMP received a report of two men who had been shot while doing work along a roadway on Township Road 250 and Range Road 281 in Rocky View County. Upon arriving on scene, emergency crews discovered that Colin Hough and a 39-year-old victim had both been shot during an attempted robbery by two, then unknown, individuals. Mounties say the suspects burnt the stolen vehicle they arrived to the scene in, and stole one of the victim’s Rocky View County pick-up trucks.

Responding officers were able locate the suspects in the Rocky View County pick up truck and engaged in a pursuit, however the suspects were successful in evading police.

Soon after, using the Rocky View County pick-up truck on-board GPS, police were able to locate the truck abandoned in a field in the area of Range Road 252 and Township Road 260. Faced with the potential of armed suspects in area, RCMP issued a Police-Initiated Public Alert advising residents in the area to shelter in place. Strathmore RCMP, with assistance from the Emergency Response Team, Calgary Police TAC, Calgary Police Dog Service, the Alberta RCMP helicopter, Calgary HAWCS, drones, and neighbouring detachments, conducted a thorough search of the area. At this point in time police say they had limited and vague descriptions of the suspects involved in the incident. RCMP say providing vague or potentially inaccurate information to the public about the suspects at that crucial time could have been misleading and potentially dangerous.

After conducting a thorough search, RCMP say they were satisfied the suspects could no longer be in the area and the immediate risk to residents had subsided. Police at this time lifted the shelter in place and continued to investigate.

After continued investigation, police learned that the suspects, during an unrelated incident, were involved in a minor collision in Calgary in which the stolen vehicle they were driving was partially disabled. Mounties say the suspects then drove to where the shooting victims were working and attempted to steal a new vehicle. It was at this time both victims were shot, say police.

On Aug. 8, 2024, RCMP determined that Arthur Wayne Penner was one of the suspects. Immediate actions were taken to set up surveillance on Penner and liaise with Alberta Crown Prosecutors to obtained charge approvals. Once the approval was received, RCMP with assistance from Edmonton Police Service, safely arrested Penner in Edmonton.

On Aug. 11, 2024, police identified Elijah Strawberry as the second suspect in this incident. On Monday, after receiving crown approval, RCMP have obtained a warrant for his arrest. Mounties ask that anyone who sees him or has information about his whereabouts, to call 911.

“I want to assure everyone that the RCMP has done, and continue to do, everything in our power to swiftly investigate and arrest these dangerous suspects. I give my most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Colin Hough who was out working and making a living when these individuals took his life,” says Staff Sergeant Mark Wielgosz, “I also want the other victim in this tragedy to know that our thoughts are with him as well.”

Despite these charges, the RCMP’s investigation continues:

• Mounties say they continue to work at identifying the occupants of a black Volkswagen Jetta as they may have witnessed this incident. Police ask for these individuals to come forward.
• RCMP further believe that a quad stolen on Aug. 7, 2024, a 1:34 p.m. in Wheatland County may be connected to the investigation. Mounties ask that members of public check their dash cam footage and surveillance cameras if they have seen the quad or its occupants.

Police say Elijah Strawberry is considered armed and dangerous. If seen, do no approach but dial 911 immediately.

Alberta RCMP are still seeking the public’s help with video footage and information surrounding this incident. If you have information about this incident or those responsible, please call the Strathmore RCMP at 403-934-3535. If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.

Related: August 12 Update: RCMP make one arrest, seek second suspect in Rocky View County shooting

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