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Two arrested in connection to alleged Ponoka shooting

Sep 28, 2022 | 10:53 AM

RCMP have now arrested and charged two people in connection to an alleged shooting incident that took place Sept. 21 in Ponoka.

On Sept. 21, RCMP told media that they had responded to a report of a shooting near the Leland Hotel just before 3 a.m.

A victim with multiple gunshot wounds was taken to hospital by STARS in stable condition, and a collision had occurred near the hotel.

Now, RCMP say that on Sept. 26, with assistance from Calgary Police Service and other detachments, two individuals were arrested at the Cascade Ponds in Banff National Park.

Additionally, a search warrant was executed on a property in Calgary which resulted in firearms being seized.

As a result, RCMP have charged Eldon James Junior Saddleback, 34, of Maskwacis, and Anthony Kelsey Lee Omeasoo, 29, of Wetaskiwin, with:

· Attempted Murder with a Firearm

· Aggravated Assault

· Assault with a Weapon x 2

· Discharge Firearm with Intent

· Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

· Fail to Comply with Release Order.

· An additional charge for Saddleback of Possession of Weapon Contrary to an Order.

“This was a complex investigation and arrest which required effective coordination of units within and outside of the RCMP,” said Sergeant Brandon Humbke of the Central Alberta GIS unit, “Officers from RCMP Detachments in Ponoka, Maskwacis, Wetaskiwin, Blackfalds, Airdrie, Banff, and Canmore. RCMP Support units from Southern Alberta GIS and Crime Reduction Units, Central Alberta Crime Reduction Unit, K Division Special I, and CIP Programs and working in conjunction with officers from the Calgary Police Service all worked in tandem to bring this investigation to its successful conclusion.”

Both Saddleback and Omeasoo have been remanded in custody with their next court appearance set for Sept. 29 in Wetaskiwin.

MORE: Ponoka RCMP investigate shooting