A sawed-off shotgun RCMP say was fired and seized during an arrest on Wednesday in central Alberta. (RCMP)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

numerous charges

Shotgun allegedly fired during police pursuit near Caroline

Oct 15, 2020 | 4:31 PM

Rocky Mountain House RCMP have charged two people, including one accused of firing a gun just prior to his arrest.

It was just before 8 a.m. on Oct. 14 when Sylvan Lake Mounties received a complaint about a truck that was stolen from Eckville. Neighbouring detachments were made aware and it was eventually members from Rocky who located the vehicle on Highway 54 near Caroline.

RCMP say they were following the truck when it made a u-turn on the highway and tried ramming the police vehicle, leading to a pursuit that eventually saw the stolen truck run over a spike belt.

Police say the driver of the truck continued to attempt to evade officers by purposefully crashing through a gate, and then getting stuck on a lease site. The male driver is said to have gotten out of the truck and discharged a round from a shotgun.

The male driver and a female passenger were taken into custody by Rocky Mountain House RCMP.

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No injuries were reported and no police vehicles were damaged.

A loaded 12-gauge pump action shotgun with a sawed-off barrel was seized from the scene, while a search of the truck led to the seizure of several stolen ID cards and credit cards believed to be from thefts across central Alberta.

“An incident like this highlights the inherent dangers our RCMP members face on a daily basis,” says Sergeant Trevor Shea, Operations NCO, Rocky Mountain House detachment. “I am pleased with how our members responded and how swiftly this dynamic event was resolved with no resulting injuries to anyone.”

At the time of arrest, James Patrick Metzger, 34, was known to police, and had several outstanding warrants. As a result of this incident, he is facing numerous charges including firearm and weapons offences, possession of a controlled substance, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of stolen property, unlawful possession of stolen identity documents, and failing to comply with various court orders.

Danielle Bishop, 28, also faces numerous charges related to this and other incidents.

Both accused remain in custody and await court appearances on Nov. 18 and Oct. 19, respectively.