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Cochrane RCMP arrest and charge male after assaulting homeowner during rural break and enter

On Feb. 2, a male wearing a mask broke into a rural residence where he was confronted by the homeowner. A confrontation occurred resulting in the homeowner being assaulted by the masked assailant.

Cochrane RCMP's Crime Reduction Unit has arrested the man suspected of a series of break-and-enters that took place in Rocky View County last month. 

The break-and-enters began on Feb. 2, when a male wearing a mask broke into a rural residence and was confronted by the homeowner. A confrontation occurred resulting in the homeowner being assaulted by the masked assailant. The victim sustained non-life threatening injuries.   

According to the Cochrane RCMP, an investigation identified a suspect through DNA left at the crime scene. Police tracked the suspect to a residence in Calgary, and on March 16, a search warrant was executed with the assistance of the Calgary Police Services Tactical Unit.

There, Cooper Byron Paquette, a 35-year-old resident of Calgary, was charged with four counts of break-and-enter, assault, disguise with intent, and possession of property obtained by crime. 

During the search, police noticed indicators of items being stashed inside several walls inside the residence. According to RCMP, police found key evidence in the walls that linked the suspect to the assault, along with stolen property from other rural break-and-enters.

“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,” said Cochrane RCMP’s Detachment Commander Staff Sgt. Chad Fournier, in the press release.

RCMP's release concluded by stating the investigation is on-going, but that Paquette has been remanded into custody and will appear in Airdrie Provincial Court on March 30. 

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