Cold Lake RCMP Arrest Suspect in Targeted Shooting, Continue to Seek Public Help

Cold Lake RCMP have arrested a 27-year-old man in connection with a suspected targeted shooting on Nov. 8, but the investigation is far from over.

 

Firearm Recovered, Multiple Charges Laid

Following an extensive investigation, police arrested James Robert Lees of Cold Lake on Nov. 14. Officers from the Cold Lake RCMP General Investigation Section, the Lakeland Crime Reduction Unit and St. Paul RCMP Forensic Identification Section all assisted.

 

Search warrants were obtained and executed during the investigation. Police say they have recovered the firearm believed to be used in the offence, as well as additional ammunition.

 

Lees has been charged with several offences, including:

 

▪️ Attempted murder (x2)

▪️ Aggravated assault (x2)

▪️ Discharging a firearm with intent (x2)

▪️ Possession of a firearm and ammunition while prohibited (x3)

▪️ Unauthorized possession of a restricted firearm with ammunition

▪️ Possession of a restricted firearm without a licence or registration

▪️ Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose

 

He has been remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear in the Cold Lake Provincial Court of Justice on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025.

 

Police Still Seeking Information

 

Despite the arrest, RCMP say the investigation remains active. Officers are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact the Cold Lake RCMP at 780-594-3302.

 

Those who wish to remain anonymous can reach Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), submit a tip online at P3Tips.com or use the P3 Tips mobile app.

 

For non-emergency reports in any Alberta RCMP jurisdiction, call 310-RCMP (7267). The Alberta RCMP app is also available for news, reporting tools and updates.