Edmonton Police have issued a warning to Riverbend-area residents, after a man was reported to be brandishing a handgun in the area.

Police said two reports came in over the weekend; the first report came in on Friday, June 22 at about 4 pm in a parking lot near the Snow Valley ski resort, located south of Whitemud Drive at 119 Street.

A group of cyclists reported seeing a male carrying what looked like a handgun, which he tucked into his waistband when the cyclists came closer – he was last seen running eastbound, towards 119 Street.

The second incident was reported on Saturday, at about 7 pm.

A resident walking with their child across the Terwillegar Drive footbridge, located south of 23 Avenue, reported a male flashed what appeared to be a handgun at them, before fleeing towards the St. Thomas More Church, located at 210 Haddow Close.

The male in both cases was described as:

  • Between 172 cm (5'8") and 178 cm (5'10") in height
  • Covering his face with a dark balaclava or ski mask
  • Wearing black clothing

Investigators believe the incidents are related, and are warning residents in the Riverbend-area to not approach the person, but to contact police immediately.

Anyone who sees a person matching the person's description is asked to call the Edmonton Police Service non-emergency line at 780-423-4567 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).