Police urge people to use caution after Springbank area resident shot at after theft on property

Police are urging residents to be vigilant and use caution after a Springbank area man was shot at during a property theft this morning.

“We ask that people be the best witness they can be … see what (the suspects) look like, see how many people, stuff like that. Then, phone the police, ” said Cochrane RCMP Const. Kary Moore. “Don’t approach them - just phone 911 right away. ”

The resident, who asked not to be identified, said he was alerted by the sound of an all-terrain vehicle about 7 a.m. this morning.

“I heard the quad as I was getting out of bed, ” the man recalled, adding he looked on a security camera that captures activity near a farm shop on the property and could see a co-worker’s Polaris off-road vehicle was missing, among other items. A black truck was also taking off from the shop.

“I was going to see if I could see the Polaris … I was right behind them, ” recalled the man, adding police were already on their way in response to the in progress break-in.

Shortly after, the resident spotted the same black truck in a nearby parking lot and tried to block its path, since he knew the vehicle was on a no exit road.

“That’s when a red SUV came out of nowhere and fired a shot, ” said the man. “After the gunshot, I thought. ‘If this is this serious, I better back off.’ He was still hanging the gun out the window. ”

The resident said he wasn’t struck or injured by the blast, which he believed to be from a shotgun.

Moore said the Black Ford F-150 has a distinct red pinstripe down the side with an Alberta licence plate, while the red luxury-style SUV had an Idaho plate.

Police are still actively investigating the incident and ask anyone who recognizes a person or people in the surveillance photos not to approach them, but to instead call Cochrane RCMP at (403) 851-8000, Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 or online at www.tipsubmit.com.

“We encourage people to come forward with any information they have."