A number of residents in Edson are taking extreme steps to keep themselves safe as police continue to search for a killer.

Ron's Outdoors Source for Sports normally sells about 30 cans of pepper spray a year, this week they've sold about 100.

"I have to see myself having to sell this stuff for other purposes then what it's intended for," said retailer Alton Hunter.

Hunter says the store has another 100 cans on order as the hunt for 14-year-old Emily Stauffer's killer continues.

"I'm less scare of a bear, than I am of this idiot that is running around," said Judy Tailby.

RCMP have been searching the area in and around Edson since Saturday, but they admit so far there are no new developments or arrests.

On Wednesday night police thought they may have a lead after a woman spotted a suspicious man hiding behind a dumpster/

At about 11 p.m. a woman who was taking her garbage out opened the dumpster when a man jumped out from behind and fled into the woods.

Dozens of police officers took off into the woods with police dogs in search of the suspicious man, but found no one.

A sense of fear and sadness has blanketed the community as many get ready to say goodbye to Emily Stauffer at a memorial service Friday.

Flower shops have been running low on supplies in preparation for Emily's memorial.

Many residents are hoping to find some sort of closure in the coming days to put an end to a hectic week in a town that is normally quiet.

"You're hoping it will end soon, but at the same time you have to live your life," said Christa Mullin.

Schools were placed on lockdown Tuesday, after a second woman was attacked on an Edson pathway in broad daylight. The woman was confronted on the same trail system where Emily Stauffer, 14, was murdered Saturday afternoon.

A funeral for Emily Stauffer will be held in Edson on Friday and is expected to bring out most of the residents.

Police describe the suspect involved in the Tuesday attack as:

  • A white male
  • In his mid-twenties
  • Taller than 5'9"
  • Muscular build
  • Dirty hands
  • Black hoodie with white lettering on chest, red lettering on the edge of the hood
  • Black BOCA pants
  • Strong smell of body odor and cologne

Police will compare the details of this incident to any possible links to the Sept. 27 attack.

RCMP appeal to the public not to engage in any form of vigilantism.

Police ask the public to pass along any information about the possible suspect to them immediately.

With files from Kevin Armstrong