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Youth suspects arrested in drive-by shooting on Samson First Nation

Mar 4, 2019 | 12:01 PM

Two male youths from Maskwacis have been charged with multiple firearms and property offences following a drive-by shooting on the Samson First Nation Saturday night.

At approximately 9:29 p.m. on Mar. 2, RCMP were dispatched to a residence where shots were fired from a vehicle into a rural residence.

Fortunately, none of the occupants of the residence were injured.

However, according to Mounties, witnesses were able to identify a suspect vehicle, which was stolen.

A short time later, this vehicle was located when the suspects abandoned it and allegedly stole a second vehicle from the Ermineskin First Nation.

While on patrol, police say a Wetaskiwin RCMP member located the vehicle in an alleyway in the City of Wetaskiwin.

The vehicle attempted to flee, but became stuck in the snow and the suspects fled on foot. A 30-06 rifle and magazine were located in the vehicle.

The Maskwacis Community Response Unit, RCMP Police Dog Services, RCMP Air Services and the Edmonton Police Service’s Flight Operations Unit were engaged to assist with locating the suspects.

One suspect, a 17 year-old male, was arrested on foot by a Ponoka RCMP Traffic Services member.

The second suspect, a 16 year-old male, was tracked to a residence near the Poplar Grove area of Wetaskiwin and arrested without incident.

Mounties say a second firearm, a sawed-off .22 rilfe was also located near the scene.

Both youths have been charged with multiple counts related to the use and possession of firearms and to the stolen vehicles.

An investigation by the Maskwacis Community Response Unit is ongoing and charges are expected against additional suspects.

(With files from Maskwacis RCMP)