On Oct. 24, 2023, RCMP Southern Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit (SADCRU) located a stolen vehicle in the Town of Didsbury. The stolen vehicle was believed to be occupied by a known previous offender and was seen circling downtown Didsbury.

SADCRU received assistance from the RCMP Emergency Response Team, Didsbury RCMP, RCMP Air Services and RCMP Police Dog Services, to assist with the execution of the arrest. As this was considered a high-risk operation, at approximately 3 p.m., Didsbury RCMP initiated a hold and secure at all Didsbury schools. This was done as a precaution to ensure that students would not be in the area at the time of the arrest. At approximately 3:20 p.m., RCMP contained the vehicle and safely brought the suspect into custody. 

The suspect was located inside the stolen vehicle and found to be in possession of a modified prohibited firearm, ammunition for the firearm, bear spray, a knife, and an airsoft handgun. At the time of his arrest, Jamie McConnell was bound by a Firearms Prohibition Order.

Jamie McConnell (21), a resident of Edmonton, has been charged with the following offences:

  • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
  • Possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized
  • Possession contrary to order
  • Unauthorized Possession of a motor vehicle
  • Possession of a prohibited firearm with ammunition
  • Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000


Jamie McConnell was held for a Judicial Interim Release hearing and was remanded into custody. He will be appearing at the Alberta Court of Justice in Didsbury on Oct. 30, 2023.