On the evening of May 3, 2025, the Bonnyville RCMP detachment in Alberta was the site of a deliberate and destructive attack involving a stolen trackhoe. A 62-year-old local man, David Merko, used the heavy machinery to cause significant damage to police vehicles and property before fleeing on foot. Law enforcement quickly apprehended the suspect with the assistance of a police dog, and he now faces multiple criminal charges. Authorities have assured the community that there is no ongoing threat, and the investigation into the motive and circumstances of the incident continues.
Details of the Incident
On the evening of May 3, 2025, at approximately 8:30 PM, David Merko, a 62-year-old resident of Bonnyville, Alberta, commandeered a trackhoe reported stolen earlier that day. He drove the heavy construction machinery directly into the Bonnyville RCMP detachment compound, targeting multiple police vehicles and causing extensive damage to both the vehicles and surrounding property. The attack resulted in several flooded offices and damaged equipment, disrupting normal police operations.
Response and Apprehension
Following the assault, Merko exited the trackhoe and fled the scene on foot. Officers promptly initiated a search, employing a police service dog to assist in tracking the suspect. Within 45 minutes, Merko was located and taken into custody without further incident. Emergency services confirmed that no officers or civilians sustained injuries during the event.
Charges and Investigation
David Merko faces multiple charges, including theft of heavy machinery, mischief causing extensive property damage, and potentially assault-related offenses pending further review. The RCMP has opened a comprehensive investigation to establish the motive behind this unusual act of aggression. Authorities are reviewing video surveillance footage, witness statements, and Merko’s recent activities to gather insights.
Community Impact and Official Statements
Local officials and the RCMP have reassured Bonnyville residents that there is no ongoing threat to public safety. Chief Constable Mark Hutchinson stated, “This was an isolated and targeted incident; our primary concern remains the safety of our community and officers. We are committed to a thorough investigation and will provide updates as more information becomes available.” Community support services have been offered to any personnel affected by the incident.
Next Steps
- Merko is scheduled to appear in Bonnyville Provincial Court later this month.
- The RCMP continues to investigate the circumstances leading to the theft of the trackhoe and the motivations for the attack.
- Police are assessing the full extent of the damage to restore the detachment to full operational capacity promptly.
Conclusion
The deliberate attack on the Bonnyville RCMP detachment by David Merko has been contained with no physical harm to officers or civilians. The swift response by law enforcement ensured the suspect was apprehended quickly, preventing further damage or risk to the community. As the investigation progresses, authorities remain focused on uncovering the motives behind the incident while restoring the damaged facilities. Community safety continues to be the top priority, with officials maintaining transparency and support for those affected. Updates will follow as new information emerges in this developing case.
