RCMP have charged 35-year-old Edmonton resident Arthur Wayne Penner with the first-degree-murder of Airdrie resident Colin John Hough on Aug. 6 in Rocky View County, as well as attempted murder of another individual.
Penner has been arrested and taken before a justice of the peace. He has been remanded into custody with his next court date set for Aug. 15, 2024, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Airdrie.
Additionally, RCMP continue to search for the second suspect in the shooting. Elijah Blake Strawberry, 28-years-old, now has a warrant for his arrest for the second-degree-murder of Colin Hough. RCMP are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Strawberry.
Responding officers were able locate the suspects in the Rocky View County pick up truck and engaged in a pursuit, however the suspects were successful in evading police.
Soon after, using the Rocky View County pick-up truck on-board GPS, police were able to locate the truck abandoned in a field in the area of Range Road 252 and Township Road 260. Faced with the potential of armed suspects in area, RCMP issued a Police-Initiated Public Alert advising residents in the area to shelter in place.
Strathmore RCMP, with assistance of Alberta's Emergency Response Team, Calgary Police TAC, Calgary Police Dog Service, the Alberta RCMP helicopter, Calgary HAWCS, drones, and neighbouring detachments, conducted a thorough search of the area. At this point, police had limited and vague descriptions of the suspects involved in the incident. They state, providing vague or potentially inaccurate information to the public about the suspects at this crucial time could have been misleading and potentially dangerous.
After conducting a thorough search, RCMP were satisfied that the suspects could no longer be in the area and the immediate risk to residents had subsided. Police at this time lifted the shelter in place and continued to investigate.
After continued investigation, police learned that the suspects, during an unrelated incident, were involved in a minor collision in Calgary in which the stolen vehicle they were driving was partially disabled. They then drove to where the shooting victims were working and attempted to steal a new vehicle. It was at this time both victims were shot.
On Aug. 8, 2024, RCMP determined that Arthur Wayne Penner was one of the suspects. Immediate actions were taken to set up surveillance on Penner and liaise with Alberta Crown Prosecutors to obtain charge approvals. Once the approval was received, RCMP with assistance from Edmonton Police Service, safely arrested Penner in Edmonton.
On Aug. 11, 2024, police identified Strawberry as the second suspect in this incident. On Aug. 12, after receiving crown approval, RCMP have obtained a warrant for his arrest. RCMP asks that anyone who sees him or has information about his wherabouts call 911.
“I want to assure everyone that the RCMP has done, and continue to do, everything in our power to swiftly investigate and arrest these dangerous suspects. I give my most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Colin Hough who was out working and making a living when these individuals took his life,” says Staff Sergeant Mark Wielgosz, “I also want the other victim in this tragedy to know that our thoughts are with him as well.”
Despite these charges, the RCMP’s investigation continues. They continue to work at identifying the occupants of the Black Volkswagen Jetta as they may have witnessed this incident. These individuals are asked to come forward. RCMP also believes that a quad stolen on Aug. 7, 2024, a 1:34 p.m. in Wheatland County may be connected to the investigation. The public is asked to check dash cam footage and surveillance cameras if they have seen the quad or its occupants.
Support for Colin Hough's family
Rocky View County confirmed that Colin Hough was one of their employees. On Aug. 8, RVC announced they would support Hough's family during this difficult time by matching donations made to the GoFundMe page created in his honour: Fundraiser in Memory of Colin Hough. The GoFundMe set up for Hough's family has raised over $76,000 of its $35,000 goal.
"Colin was a beloved father, husband, son, colleague and friend who never hesitated to help anyone," states the GoFundMe. "He leaves behind a beautiful family, including his wife and two small children who will need as much help as possible as they navigate this unimaginable and unexpected loss."
FortisAlberta confirmed that one of its employees was the other shooting victim. According to Fortis, their employee was treated for their injury and was released from the hospital the following evening.
