Claresholm RCMP investigation of pipe bomb incidents results in criminal charges

On March 25, 2023, at approximately 9:30 p.m., Claresholm RCMP were dispatched to a complaint of a loud bang from a garage in Claresholm. A witness said that they saw two people carry a person and put them in a vehicle and then drive away. A few minutes later, RCMP were called to the Claresholm hospital where an injured male had been dropped off with serious injuries. Officers then attended the location where the bang came from and found two people inside a garage.

With assistance from Southern Alberta District General Investigation Section and Crime Reduction Unit, on March 26, 2023, RCMP executed a search warrant at the residence. Officers located the following:

• Various types of ammunition

• Pieces of pipe

• Fireworks

• An explosive fuse

• Ammunition that had been cut up to remove the gunpowder

Jaden Ross Vincent (27), a resident of Claresholm, who was located in the garage on the night of the explosion, has been charged with:

• Using explosives with intent (x2)

• Mischief under $5000 (x2)

• Fail to comply with a release order (x2)

Jaden Vincent was released on conditions and will be appearing in Fort McLeod Provincial Court on April 5, 2023.

Michael John Wynia (40), a resident of Claresholm, who was injured in the garage explosion, has been charged with:

• Make an explosive substance (x3)

• Mischief under $5000 (x3)

• Cause an explosion (x3)

• Possession of break in tools

• Possess a weapon for a dangerous purpose

Michael Wynia has been released on conditions and will be appearing in Fort McLeod Provincial Court on April 5, 2023.

This investigation revealed that the two accused were also responsible for the March 4 and March 6 pipe bomb incidents in Claresholm.

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