Onion Lake RCMP arrest two men after shots fired

Two people are facing a number of charges after a police man hunt.

According to an RCMP news release, “On April 10, shortly after 9:30 a.m., the Onion Lake RCMP received a complaint advising that shots had been fired into a home at the Onion Lake Cree Nation.”

The complainant and his family inside were able to seek shelter and safety at a neighbouring residence and were uninjured. The suspects fled the Onion Lake Cree Nation, travelling towards Lloydminster, Alberta.

The RCMP detachments of Onion Lake, Maidstone, Lloydminster, Kitscoty and Elk Point were dispatched to intercept the suspects. The RCMP Canine unit, Edmonton Air Services, worked to locate and arrest the suspects and they were taken into custody without incident. North Battleford RCMP Detachment, the Underwater Recovery and Forensic identification sections are assisting with the continuing investigation.

Layne Pahtayken, 23, of the Onion Lake Cree Nation has been charged with:

• Careless use of a firearm
• Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm/prohibited weapon or restricted weapon
• Possession of weapon obtained by crime
• Possession of firearm/weapon/device/ammunition in motor vehicle
• Flight from peace officer
• Dangerous operation of motor vehicle
• Theft of motor vehicle
• Mischief over $5,000 – Damage to property-two counts
• Pointing a firearm
• Discharge firearm with intent
• Failure to comply with undertaking condition-six counts

Layne Pahtayken will appear in court on April 15th, 2021 at the Lloydminster Provincial Court.

Gerome Christopher Okemow, 20, of the Onion Lake Cree Nation has been charged with:

•  Careless use of a firearm
• Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm/prohibited weapon or restricted weapon
• Possession of weapon obtained by crime
• Possession of firearm/weapon/device/ammunition in motor vehicle
• Flight from peace officer
• Dangerous operation of motor vehicle
• Theft of motor vehicle
• Mischief over $5,000 – Damage to property

Gerome Christopher Okemow will appear in court on April 15th, 2021 at the Lloydminster Provincial Court.

agreen@lakelandconnect.thedev.ca