Ashmont man arrested for threatening to shoot up two area reserves and a local school

UPDATE #2

Andrew Sydora (70) from Ashmont, Alta., was charged with three counts of uttering threats. He will be appearing in St. Paul Provincial Court on Nov. 7, 2019. He was released from custody with conditions.

St. Paul RCMP would like to remind the public that any complaints made regarding threats will be taken seriously and charges will be laid where applicable. Public safety is our priority. We encourage the public to come forward if there are concerns for any public safety issues.

As this matter is now before the courts, no further information will be provided.

UPDATE #1

Saddle Lake school has suspended their transportation service following threats.

A Facebook post from Leon Moosewah, Student Transportation Coordinator, stated that students’ safety was their top priority.

The Statement dated Novemebr 3rd read:

“Good evening to all community members I am informing you that all buses will be cancelled tomorrow. This is due to the death threats that were made on Facebook against our community, Goodfish Lake and Ashmont school. The person or persons who made these threats has been released from police custody and we as a Nation must keep our children safe from such threats. Please pass this message around to family and friends. Thank you and have a pleasant evening.”

BACKGROUND

On Nov. 3, 2019 at approximately 3:26 p.m. St. Paul RCMP responded to an uttering threats complaint. A male had made threats to shoot up Saddle Lake First Nation, Whitefish Lake First Nation along with Ashmont School.

Police were able to determine the male responsible for the threats and was arrested. A 70-year-old male from Ashmont, Alta. has been charged with three counts of Uttering Threats.

St. Paul RCMP would like to remind the public that any complaints made regarding threats will be taken seriously and charges will be laid where applicable. Public safety is our priority. We encourage the public to come forward if there are concerns for any public safety issues.

If you have any information about this, or any other crime, please call the St. Paul RCMP at (780) 645-8888, or call your local police detachment. If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or by internet at www.tipsubmit.com or by SMS (check your local Crime Stoppers www.crimestoppers.ab.ca for instructions).