Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
On May 8, 2025, at approximately 3:30 a.m., High Level RCMP were dispatched to a report of a male who had been shot while driving on Highway 58. The male had sustained non-life-threatening injuries as a result. High Level RCMP investigated the shooting, and initial findings suggest that the incident was supposed to be targeted, but the wrong vehicle was fired upon. Further investigation revealed that the suspect vehicle was in Fort Vermilion, Alta., which led to the arrest of two suspects and the discovery that four more were involved. High Level RCMP obtained search warrants for two residence in Fort Vermilion linked to these individuals. The warrants were executed with the assistance of the Alberta RCMP Emergency Response Team, Alberta RMCP Police Dog Services, and Fort Vermilion RCMP. None of the outstanding suspects were arrested, but nine rifles as well as ammunition were seized from the residences. The weapon involved in the shooting was not recovered.
As a result of the investigation, a 38-year-old individual, a resident of South Tallcree, Alta., and a 27-year-old individual, a resident of Fort vermilion, Alta. were arrested. A 29-year-old individual, a resident of Fort Vermilion, a 41-year-old individual, a resident of Bush River, Alta, A 25-year-old individual, a resident of Fox Lake, Ata., and a 21-year-old individual, a resident of John D’or Prairie are still at large, but all six have been charged with the following offences.
- Discharge a firearm while being reckless;
- Aggravated assault;
- Unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon;
- Possession of a restricted firearm without a license;
- Using a firearm in the commission of an offence;
- Careless use of a firearm;
- Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle;
- Pointing a firearm; and
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle.
The 38-year-old and 27-year-old individuals were brought before a justice of the peace and remanded into custody. They appeared before the Alberta Court of Justice in High Level on May 12, 2025.
The 29-year-old, 41-year-old, 25-year-old and 21-year-old individuals remain at large and currently have warrants issued for their arrest. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the accused are asked not to approach but to please contact the High Level RCMP detachment at 780-926-2226, or their local police service. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app. To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.