Prolific offender caught after coordinated RCMP effort

Mayerthorpe, Alta. – On Oct. 22, 2025, members of the Alberta RCMP’s Western Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit (WAD CRU), working with local detachments, and with the help of the RCMP Air Services unit initiated an operation to remove a prolific property offender, subject to a Canada-wide warrant, from the community of Mayerthorpe.

The operation began with locating a stolen vehicle believed to be in possession of the suspect in the rural community of Lac St. Anne County. WAD CRU began surveillance of the suspect, with the assistance of Alberta RCMP Air Service’s Helicopter and Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS, more commonly known as drones). WAD CRU attempted to disable the suspects vehicle with the use of a Tire Deflation Device (TDD). The first attempt was unsuccessful, and the suspect fled the scene; however, by this point, they were under the visual operation of the Air Services helicopter, who surveyed him for the remainder of the operation. This allowed the RCMP Real Time Operation Center to coordinate officers ahead of the suspect to deploy a second, successful, TDD. The suspect was forced to abandon his vehicle and was apprehended while attempting to steal another vehicle.

In Alberta, the Crime Reduction Units of the RCMP are committed to using proven methods to reduce crime in the communities they serve. One of the ways that they do this is by targeting prolific offenders, like this suspect, who commit a disproportionate amount of crime in the community.

The Alberta RCMP Air Services unit was onsite during the operation to assist members on the ground by providing Helicopter and RPAS support. The RCMP Air Services operates across all of Alberta, providing air support for all detachments. Air Services provides a variety of benefits to the province of Alberta. First and foremost, they help ensure the safety of the officers and the public on the ground. They provide a serious tactical advantage to law enforcement officers, allowing for oversight and improved coordination. Air Services is also key to capturing important evidence that helps support charges by members.

Through the combined efforts of everyone involved, the RCMP was able to apprehend the suspect while ensuring the safety of the public and officers. As a result, Daniel O’Donnell, a 38-year-old resident of Tomahawk, remains in custody and has been charged with:

• Robbery with firearm;
• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000;
• Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle;
• Operation while prohibited;
• Possession of weapons contrary to order;
• Possession of weapons for dangerous purposes;
• Resisting a police officer;
• Break and enter of a residence;
• Theft under $5000;
• Fraudulent concealment; and
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm.

Cpl Mathew Howell

Public Information Officer – WAD/EAD

Alberta RCMP Media Group