By Jordan Rein

over 200 km/h

RCMP arrest two suspects after week-long pursuit across central Alberta

Nov 6, 2025 | 3:25 PM

Alberta RCMP say two suspects are in custody following a week-long investigation that included an armed robbery, a police assault, and a high-speed pursuit reaching more than 200 kilometres per hour across central Alberta.

The Alberta RCMP’s Central Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit, with help from multiple support teams and the Edmonton Police Service, made the arrests on Oct. 24 after tracking the pair from Caroline, to Eckville, to Beaumont, and finally to Bashaw.

Mounties say the investigation began Oct. 19, when officers from Rocky Mountain House responded to reports of an armed robbery at a gas station in Caroline. Police say one of two suspects fired a gun twice at an employee before fleeing. No injuries were reported.

Two days later, Sylvan Lake RCMP investigated a report of a suspicious man near Eckville, where officers say a suspect in a stolen vehicle resisted arrest, attempted to disarm an officer and assaulted them. The officer suffered minor injuries and was treated in hospital. Investigators later linked the man to the Caroline robbery.

Victor L’Hirondelle, 29, has been charged in connection with that robbery. He faces multiple counts, including armed robbery, disguise with intent, assaulting a peace officer, disarming a peace officer and possession of stolen property. He was remanded into custody and was scheduled to appear in Red Deer court Nov. 5.

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As the investigation continued, police say officers executed a search warrant in Alix on Oct. 22 but did not locate the suspects.

RCMP later identified a stolen Mazda CX-5 at a residence in southeast Edmonton. On Oct. 24, covert surveillance teams and RCMP Air Services tracked the vehicle as it sped toward Beaumont and then along Highway 21, reaching speeds of up to 215 km/h and passing an ambulance and police vehicle.

Police say the vehicle stopped at a Bashaw gas station, where one suspect allegedly tried to steal an occupied vehicle at gunpoint. RCMP and police dog teams intervened, and the suspect vehicle fled before rolling over nearby. Both suspects were arrested at the scene.

Officers seized five stolen firearms from the vehicle and an Edmonton residence tied to the investigation.

Dillon Bristow, 31, faces 77 charges, including armed robbery, discharging a firearm with intent, flight from police, pointing a firearm and dangerous driving. RCMP say Bristow was already under four firearm prohibition orders at the time of his arrest. He remains in custody and is due back in Red Deer court Nov. 10.

A 14-year-old girl who was also arrested has not been charged.

Supt. Keith Horwood, assistant district officer for Central Alberta RCMP, praised the coordination between police units and partner agencies.

“This file showcases the seamless interoperability of the various units and partners of the Alberta RCMP,” Horwood said in a statement. “Thanks to our Real-Time Operations Centre and our various analysts, we are able to more safely and efficiently conduct various types of investigations.”

The RCMP credited several specialized teams for their assistance, including Edmonton Police Service’s Air 1 and Tactical Team, RCMP Emergency Response Teams, Air Services, the Provincial Community Response Team, and multiple local detachments across central Alberta.