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Charges laid in connection with shooting near Debden

May 30, 2018 | 6:15 PM

Two people are facing charges in connection with a theft and shooting south of Debden in the early hours of Friday morning.

RCMP have laid charges against Ryan Lachance and Erin Whitefish following an investigation into an incident near Debden.

Lachance, 22, is facing charges of possession of stolen property over $5,000, possession of a firearm and ammunition while prohibited, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm obtained by crime and various breaches of court orders. Whitefish, 29, is charged with possession of stolen property over $5,000, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm obtained by crime, possession of stolen property and breaches of court orders.

Both made their first appearance in Prince Albert Provincial Court on Monday, according to an RCMP media release.

Police said Lachance and Whitefish were arrested on Saturday at a residence on the Big River First Nation. RCMP said a stolen long-barrel firearm was located during a search of the residence.

The two are charged in connection with an alleged incident in which a property owner in the Debden area encountered two suspects stealing two long-barreled rifles from his home, about three kilometres south of the community. The homeowner tried to pursue the fleeing suspects in his own vehicle but abandoned the chase after shots were fired. Police joined the chase but were unsuccessful.

In the media release late Wednesday RCMP said a stolen Dodge Ram that was chased by police was also located on the Big River First Nation.

 

panews@jpbg.ca

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