Cold Lake RCMP charge four following drive-by shooting

On May 22, 2019, Cold Lake RCMP members responded to a drive-by shooting on the Cold Lake First Nations.

There were approximately 5 rounds fired from a vehicle in the direction of a residence.

Cold Lake RCMP and RCMP’s specialized General Investigations Unit (GIS) investigated the matter. With the assistance of the public, police were able to identify two suspects, 23-year-old Cody Sylvester Janvier-Charland and 20-year-old Laine Soloway-Martial.

The RCMP applied for and obtained an arrest warrant for both suspects.

Cody Sylvester Janvier-Charland was wanted for the following:

• Discharge of Firearm with intent x2
• Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose
• Possession of firearm in motor vehicle
• Careless use of a firearm
• Failure to comply with conditions of undertaking

Laine Soloway-Martial was wanted for the following:

• Discharge of firearm with intent x2
• Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose
• Possession of firearm in motor vehicle
• Careless use of a firearm

On May 23, 2019, Cold Lake RCMP received a report of another shooting on the Elizabeth Metis Settlement. Corporal Marie-Eve Mackenzie-Plante of the Cold Lake RCMP states “We are still seeking assistance from the public and encourage witnesses to come forward with any information to aid us in the investigation. We will continue to actively seek witnesses as we take these offences seriously and want to keep our community safe.”

In the late evening of May 25, 2019, Kelowna RCMP in British Columbia was involved in a pursuit with a Grey Ford F-350 pick-up truck bearing a stolen Alberta licence plate. Two spike belts were deployed, however, the truck managed to avoid them. The truck went off road and got stuck on an embankment. Cody Sylvester Janvier-Charland and 24-year-old Benjermin Joseph Grandbois were taken into custody.

Inside the truck a quantity of Methamphetamine, a loaded .22 calibre rifle, ammunition, and a sawed off shot gun were seized by police. The RCMP members suspected there were two F-350 trucks working in tandem and one managed to evade apprehension.  Both suspects are remanded in custody.

Cody Sylvester Janvier-Charland in addition to the drive-by shooting charges which occurred May 22, 2019, has been charged with the following:

• Dangerous driving
• Flight from Police
• Possession of stolen property
• Possession of prohibited weapons
• Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose
• Possession of firearm in motor vehicle
• Possession of methamphetamine
• Mischief to property over $5000

Benjermin Joseph Grandbois has been charged with the following:

• Possession of stolen property
• Possession of prohibited weapons
• Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose
• Possession of firearm in motor vehicle
• Possession of methamphetamine
• Mischief to property over $5000

During the afternoon of May 29, 2019, a Grey Ford F-350 pick-up truck was observed driving dangerously near Elizabeth Metis Settlement Elementary School bearing a stolen license plate from British Columbia. Upon attempting to pull over the suspect vehicle, it appeared to stop, however, it made a 180 degree turn and aggressively advanced on the police vehicle. The Cold Lake RCMP and RCMP Police Dog Services (PDS) engaged in a pursuit with transition into a bordering Detachment. Elk Point RCMP assisted in setting up a spike belt to intercept the truck. The driver, Laine Martial-Soloway swerved into ditch and attempted to strike the Police Officer with the vehicle. The Police Officer attempted to reposition, and the vehicle swerved further in an attempt to hit the Police Officer. A pursuing police cruiser rammed the suspect vehicle in an attempt to avoid the Police Officer from being hit. Two more police cruisers made contact with the suspect truck until it was disabled. Laine Martial-Soloway and a 17-year-old male youth were apprehended and they are remanded in custody.

Cold Lake RCMP, Elk Point RCMP, GIS and PDS are involved in the investigation.

Laine Soloway-Martial in addition to the drive-by shooting charges which occurred May 22, 2019, has been charged with the following:

• Attempted murder without a firearm
• Assault on police officer
• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000
• Flight from police
• Dangerous operation of motor vehicle x2

The 17-year-old male youth has been charged with the following:

• Attempted murder without a firearm
• Assault on police officer
• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000
• Flight from police
• Dangerous operation of motor vehicle x2

The youth cannot be named under the Young Offenders Act.

Staff Sergeant Scott Buchanan would like to relay the following message “I am continually impressed with the level of professionalism, commitment and valor of the serving RCMP members and support staff of Cold Lake RCMP Detachment. I commend, Constable Jason Jaques for his actions which resulted in saving our fellow police officer’s life. I also recognize, Constables Scott McAuley and Alan Coles for taking action to disable to suspect’s vehicle. This is another example of police officers putting the public’s safety and best interest above their own.”

This is a great example of collaboration between interprovincial RCMP police forces to hold these four suspects accountable for their actions in different jurisdictions.  Crime Reduction knows no borders.

Cold Lake RCMP are asking the public’s assistance for any information in relation to this incident (or identifying those responsible). Please contact Cold Lake RCMP at 780-594-3301. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online atwww.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.”