Shelter in Place Lifted After Firearms Incident in Vermilion

A tense evening in Vermilion came to a close Saturday night after RCMP arrested a suspect in connection to a shooting that left one man injured.

At approximately 7:15 p.m. on August 23, Vermilion RCMP responded to a report of a male suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers determined the suspect had fled the scene on foot with a firearm, prompting police to issue a shelter in place for part of the community.

Shelter in Place Ordered

The order covered the area from 51A Street to 50 Street, and from 47 Avenue to 43 Avenue. Residents were urged to remain inside, keep doors locked, and avoid posting photos of police on social media.

“We understand how situations such as this can make a community feel uneasy, but rest assured, your Alberta RCMP is working tirelessly to locate the suspect,” RCMP said in their initial release.

Arrest Made

At 9:15 p.m., roughly two hours after the initial call, police located the suspect at a local residence. He was arrested without further incident.

The accused has been identified as 49-year-old Bradley Friesen of Vermilion. He faces several serious charges, including:

• Aggravated assault

• Discharge firearm with intent

• Unauthorized possession of a firearm

• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose

• Pointing a firearm

After a Judicial Interim Release Hearing, Friesen was remanded into custody. He is scheduled to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Vegreville on September 8, 2025.

Victim Recovering

Police say the victim sustained non life-threatening injuries and is recovering.

RCMP extended thanks to both emergency personnel and members of the community who assisted during the incident.

“We would like to send a huge thank-you to all responding emergency personnel and members of the community who assisted in this incident,” RCMP noted.