UPDATE: Red Deer County arrest related to earlier aggravated assault in Sylvan Lake

RED DEER COUNTY - There was a heavy police presence in Red Deer County early Friday morning as RCMP located, then arrested suspects in an assault that occurred in Sylvan Lake the night before, leaving the victim with serious injuries.

At about 1 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 1, RCMP issued a press release advising Blackfalds, Sylvan Lake, Innisfail and Red Deer RCMP were on scene in the area of Gasoline Alley and Spruce Street for an unfolding event.  

"The incident is currently contained to a residence and the public is asked to avoid the area," police noted.

About half an hour later, RCMP issued an update advising that the unfolding event was over and officers were clearing the scene.

In an update issued Friday evening, police said Blackfalds RCMP had located a vehicle at a Gasoline Alley residence that Sylvan Lake RCMP were looking for in relation to an aggravated assault investigation.

“RCMP utilized a tire deflation device and successfully disabled the vehicle as it left,” the update said.

RCMP arrested both occupants, subsequently releasing one without charges and charging another.

Red Deer County resident Steven Tyler Mitchell, 28, was charged with aggravated assault and robbery.

On Nov. 30 at 10:06 p.m., Sylvan Lake RCMP received a report of an aggravated assault near the Alliance Church on 47th Avenue in Sylvan Lake.

Upon arrival, RCMP say a 41-year-old victim with serious injuries was located.

“Investigation revealed that the victim was attacked by two individuals. When a witness attempted to intervene, one of the suspects pointed a firearm at them,” RCMP said in the update, adding the suspects left in a vehicle.

Information about the vehicle was passed to neighbouring detachments.

RCMP obtained a warrant to search for additional suspects at the residence where the vehicle was found.

“The investigation continues to identify the second suspect,” police noted.

Mitchell was taken before a justice of the peace, did not speak to bail and was remanded in custody. Mitchell’s next court date is set for Dec, 4 at the Alberta Court of Justice in Red Deer.

Anyone with information about the incident or those responsible is asked to contact Sylvan Lake RCMP at 403-887-3333 or their local police. Tipsters wanting to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at  www.P3Tips.com or by using the P3 Tips app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.