Wetaskiwin RCMP Investigate Armed Robbery – Arrest – Seek Information

Todayville Edmonton

Published

4 years ago

4 minute read

May 10, 2021

Wetaskiwin RCMP Investigate Armed Robbery – Arrest – Seek Information

Wetaskiwin Alta. – On Tuesday, May 4^th, 2021, at 12:55 pm, Wetaskiwin RCMP responded to an armed robbery at the Rexall Drugs in Millet, AB. Three young males entered the store, two of them had firearms. They stole prescription drugs valued at over $3,000. Fortunately, numerous witnesses informed police the licence plate of a brown vehicle that sped from the area. Police responded immediately to the scene and began patrols looking for suspects. No one was hurt during the robbery.

Police believe the three males split up, and one male continued in a brown car back towards Millet, and the other two fled in an older blue SUV West towards QE II.

A short while later in Wetaskiwin County another witness noted a male in a brown car on the side of the road. Shortly after a fire started, growing to a small bush fire. Wetaskiwin Fire Services promptly attended and put out the blaze. While patrolling in the area of the fire police located the suspect vehicle, which fled from police. A pursuit was initiated. The suspect vehicle led police in a chase for over 30 km and the pursuit ended with the use of a Tire Deflation Device. Police Dog Services and the Central Alberta Crime Reduction Team as well as members from Leduc and Maskwacis detachments all assisted with the pursuit, resulting in the arrest of one male.

“This was a fantastic example of alert neighbours and community calling police when they see something suspicious” states Cst. Shaun Marchand of the Wetaskiwin RCMP. “The success in locating and arresting the accused and providing critical information for this investigation has everything to do with members of the public recognizing something was out of places in three separate occasions.”

As a result of the investigation, the following charges have been laid against one male:

Beckham Terrence Rawcliffe (19) of Airdrie, AB:

Robbery with offensive weapon
Disguised with intent
Resist/Obstruct arrest (X2)
Mischief under $5000
Arson
Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
Pointing a firearm
Using firearm in commission of an offence
Flight from police
Dangerous operation of motor vehicle
Fail to comply with release order (X3)
Fail to comply with undertaking
Fail to Remain at scene after MVC (x2)
Learner drive motor vehicle without proper supervision

Two other suspects remain outstanding. They are described as:

Male
Caucasian
Short (5’3 – 5’6)
Young (18-25 in age)
Wore all black during the robbery
Drove an older blue SUV
Have in their possession a firearm

Police consider the two outstanding suspects to be armed and dangerous.

Rawcliffe was brought before a Justice of the Peace. Beckham Rawcliffe was remanded and is scheduled to appear in court in Wetaskiwin on May 13^th, 2021.

If anyone has information regarding these suspects, they are asked to contact the Wetaskiwin RCMP Detachment at 780-312-7267 or their local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you 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.”

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Alberta Provincial Police – New chief of Independent Agency Police Service

Published on July 2, 2025

Government of Alberta

Sat Parhar has been appointed as the first chief of the Independent Agency Police Service, marking the next step toward a new municipal policing option.

The appointment of a new chief for the Independent Agency Police Service (IAPS) marks the next step in giving municipalities a new option for local policing and builds on the work already underway for the agency to assume the police-like duties currently carried out by the Alberta Sheriffs. The IAPS will empower municipalities to adopt strategies that effectively respond to their specific safety concerns, enhancing public safety across the province.

Chief Parhar brings more than 25 years of policing experience, including senior roles with the Calgary Police Service, most recently as deputy chief. His frontline policing experience and deep understanding of Alberta’s complex and diverse public safety landscape positions him to lead the agency as it takes shape and begins its work as a new municipal policing option, keeping communities safe.

Once operational, the agency will strengthen Alberta’s existing policing model and complement the province’s current police services, which includes the RCMP, Indigenous policing services and municipal police. It will help fill gaps and ensure law enforcement resources are deployed efficiently to meet Alberta’s evolving public safety needs and improve law enforcement response times, particularly in rural communities.

“Appointing Chief Sat Parhar is a key milestone in Alberta’s plan to give municipalities a real choice in how their communities are kept safe. This is about building a modern police service that reflects the priorities of Albertans, strengthens local decision-making, and ensures every corner of our province, especially rural areas, can count on responsive, effective law enforcement. With his decades of experience and deep understanding of Alberta’s policing landscape, he is the right leader to bring this vision to life.”

Danielle Smith, Premier

“This appointment signifies a significant step forward in our efforts to establish a more robust, community-focused policing model that is better equipped to meet the unique needs of our local residents. Under Chief Parhar’s visionary leadership, we are confident that we will develop a modern, efficient police service that not only enhances public safety but also aligns closely with the priorities and values of Albertans. His experience and commitment are vital in shaping an IAPS that is responsive, transparent, and dedicated to fostering trust and collaboration within the community, ultimately ensuring a safer and more connected society for all.”

Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency ServicesMike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services

Chief Parhar’s immediate priorities will be to hire an executive team and commence organizational planning such as developing key recruitment, training and other operational policies. Chief Parhar’s appointment is the first step of many to establishing the IAPS.

“It’s an honour to take on this role and help shape a modern police service built for Alberta. My focus from day one will be on setting high standards for professionalism, building strong relationships with our partners and ensuring this service reflects the needs and priorities of the communities we serve.”

Sat Parhar, chief, Independent Agency Police Service

The Independent Agency Police Service was formally created through regulation following the passing of Public Safety Statutes Amendment Act, 2024. The agency will operate as an independent Crown corporation, and will be renamed the Alberta Sheriffs Police Service, with its head office located in Calgary. The IAPS will be operationally independent from the provincial government with civilian oversight, consistent with all police services in Alberta.

“When it comes to policing, municipalities like ours deserve a choice – especially when the current system leaves us disadvantaged simply because of our size. We look forward to learning more about what that alternative will look like once an Alberta police agency is fully established and the options are clear. For us, this is about fairness, sustainability, and ensuring municipalities have access to policing solutions that reflect both their needs and their realities.”

Jack Van Rijn, Mayor of the Town of Coaldale

Quick facts

The regulation establishes the IAPS Provincial Corporation and its governance structure including board of directors, board of director powers, financial responsibilities and accountabilities.