Five people arrested after firearm pointed at RCMP member by fleeing suspects

There were some tense moments for the Mounties in the afternoon of April 29 after a firearm was pointed at an officer from a fleeing suspect vehicle.

RCMP officers of the Eastern Alberta District RCMP Crime Reduction Unit (EAD CRU) were conducting patrols in rural areas between Elk Point and Kitscoty when an RCMP officer attempted a vehicle stop with a car that failed to stop and fled. Another officer on patrol in the area located the suspect vehicle heading north over the Heinsburg bridge on Secondary Highway 893 in passing.

As the officer activated the police motor vehicle emergency lights, one of the occupants in the suspect vehicle pointed a firearm at the RCMP officer.

The suspect vehicle then drove in reverse heading south back over the bridge and subsequently rolled into the west ditch where the officer conducted a high risk vehicle stop and arrests while awaiting backup from Elk Point and Kitscoty RCMP.

With the assistance of additional Mounties, five occupants were arrested and a search of the suspect vehicle recovered a loaded shotgun and ammunition.

An RCMP Collision Analyst attended the scene to assist with this investigation, which required that traffic be diverted for several hours.

The Eastern Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit enhances public safety in the rural areas of Eastern Alberta by augmenting existing RCMP policing resources. “The EAD CRU Unit was in the right place at the right time that day,” says Sgt. David Graham, EAD CRU Unit Commander, “To be able to effectively respond and take a number of subjects engaging in criminal activity off our rural roadways.”

Aaron Evan Nathan Smith, a 33-year-old male from Frog Lake, Alta. was charged with the following:

• Weapons/firearms offences (X9)
• Aggravated assault
• Flight from a peace officer
• Possession of methamphetamine

Following a judicial hearing, Aaron Smith was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear in St. Paul Provincial Court on May 13, 2021.

Marina Dawn Smith, a 31-year-old female from Frog Lake was charged with the following:

• Weapons/firearms offences (X3)
• Flight from a peace officer
• Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle
• Resist/Obstruct a peace officer and
• Possession of methamphetamine

Following a judicial hearing, Marina Smith was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear in St. Paul Provincial Court on May 16, 2021.

Leroy Johnson Janvier, a 32-year-old male from Elizabeth Metis Settlement was charged with the following:

• Firearm offence
• Flight from a peace officer
• Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle
• Resist/Obstruct a peace officer
• Possession of methamphetamine

Following a judicial hearing, Janvier was released to attend court on May 13, 2021, in St. Paul Provincial Court.

Murvanna Kay Flamond, a 28-year-old female from Fishing Lake Metis Settlement was charged with the following:

• Firearm offence
• Flight from a peace officer
• Possession of methamphetamine
• Fail to Comply

Following a judicial hearing, Flamond was released to attend court on May 13, 2021, at St. Paul Provincial Court.

Leticia Dumont, a 26-year-old female from Ponoka was charged with the following:

• Firearm offence
• Flight from a peace officer

Following a judicial hearing, Dumont was released to attend court on May 13, 2021, at St. Paul Provincial Court.

As this matter is now before the courts, the RCMP says no further information will be released.

Arthur@lakelandconnect.thedev.ca