Air, dogs and tactics: RCMP intensify bid to find six year old

Alberta RCMP and Search and Rescue Alberta said Saturday the search for six year old Darius Macdougall is not scaling back, with added officers on the ground, expanded support, and new avenues for public tips.

Cpl. Gina Slaney said sixty RCMP Tactical Support Group officers are conducting shoulder to shoulder sweeps in the area where Darius was last believed to be. “These officers are trained to search for even the smallest piece of evidence,” she said.

Slaney warned that recreational drones are prohibited over the search area under a NAV Canada notice to airmen, citing the risk to RCMP planes, helicopters and drones operating overhead. She added that Alberta Sheriffs Highway Patrol is assisting near Highway 3 and at the staging area to manage traffic and access.

An injured hiker was long lined out near the search site at about 9:26 a.m. Slaney said the rescue drew multiple agencies and was successful. The incident was unrelated to the search and served as a reminder of the dangerous terrain.

To gather local knowledge, the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass has opened a public information centre at the curling lounge in the Crowsnest Sports Complex in Coleman, open today from 3 to 5 p.m. Maps of the search area are available there so residents familiar with the backcountry can suggest potential hiding or safe places. Slaney said those maps are not posted elsewhere and the centre is intended to keep people away from the search site.

Adam Kennedy, provincial training manager with Search and Rescue Alberta, said approximately 225 personnel are on scene, including 128 SAR Alberta volunteers from Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan. Alberta Health Services is providing medical support for personnel. Search dogs, an RCMP helicopter, and drones with infrared and night vision are in use, with analysis of previous drone footage continuing. He noted additional participation from Alberta Conservation Officers, Alberta Sheriffs Fish and Wildlife Officers, RCMP Air Services, RCMP Police Dog Services and the RCMP Tactical Support Group.

Kennedy said optimism remains. “The search effort is reflecting the assumption that Darius is alive,” he said, adding that the effort is guided by statistical analysis and expert consultation.

Officials asked residents, including hunters, to stay clear of the search zones due to safety and the risk of disturbing clues. Slaney confirmed the family is from Lethbridge, remains on site, and is being supported by victim family liaison officers and logistics for basic needs.

Daily virtual media updates are scheduled for 2:30 p.m.