In February of this year, a series of break-and-enters took place in Rocky View County.

On February 2, 2023, a masked man broke into a residence and was confronted by the homeowner. An altercation ensued and the homeowner was assaulted by the masked assailant. 

The Cochrane RCMP Crime Reduction Unit investigation led to a suspect being identified through DNA left at the crime scene. On March 16, police tracked the suspect to a residence in Calgary and a search warrant was executed with the help of the Calgary Police Services Tactical Unit.

During the search, police noticed signs of items stashed inside the walls of the residence. Key evidence was found that linked the suspect to the assault along with other stolen property from other rural crimes. 

Thirty-five-year-old Cooper Byron Paquette of Calgary has been charged with four counts of break and enter, one count of assault, one count of disguise with intent, and one count of possession of property obtained by crime.

Paquette has been remanded into custody and will appear in Airdrie Provincial Court on March 30, 2023. 

Cochrane RCMP’s Detachment Commander Staff Sergeant Chad Fournier says, “Residents of rural communities have the right to feel safe in their home, and addressing rural crime is a priority for the Cochrane RCMP and the Crime Reduction Unit. ”