Beaverlodge RCMP may have new leads that could help track down vandals who destroyed and stole dinosaur fossils from the Red Willow River last week.
RCMP spokeswoman Const. Ellen Archibald says the police are looking to speak to key individuals who have been identified as being in the area at the time of the vandalism, but no arrests have been made.
“We are still looking, but names that have been brought forward, we are attempting to locate witnesses and possible suspects to speak to them,” said Archibald. “It’s not that we have located suspects, they’re possible, so people that were in the area.”
A campsite near the fossil find was identified as a possible crime scene by Pipestone Creek Dinosaur Initiative officials. Fossils were strewn through the campsite along with garbage and receipts.
Archibald was unable to confirm the suspects were connected to the campsite.
“If people bring things forward, leads will certainly be followed up, but at this time, I have no idea,” said Archibald. “Whether a receipt was found or brought forward, I have no idea at this time.”
Archibald adds that the investigation is still ongoing and interviews will be conducted.
The fossilized skeleton discovered by paleontologist Phil Bell was believed to be a hadrosaur, a duck-billed dinosaur, which would have been the most intact of its kind found in the Peace Country.
If caught the perpetrator of the vandalism could receive a fine of up to $40,000 or one year in prison
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