( file photo/paNOW Staff)

By Glenn Hicks

rural crime

Shots fired in rural crime incident northwest of P.A., farmers concerned for their safety

Jun 23, 2021 | 4:00 PM

Police have released details about a dramatic incident in the RM of Shellbrook on the weekend.

Shots were fired by the suspects at two different locations before the matter ended with the arrest of two people; a warrant is out for a third person. The incident has a local farming family worried about their safety.

In a media release, Ahtahkakoop/Shellbrook RCMP said on Saturday a truck, ATV, and four firearms were reported stolen from buildings on a rural property. The suspects then entered the home around 3 a.m.

Shot fired into home

They were confronted by the owner and a shot was fired through a window into the home as the suspects fled. Those inside the residence were not physically injured, the police said.

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Later Saturday evening, the suspects were spotted in the stolen truck, which was stuck in a ditch on grid road 788. Police said shots were fired at two members of the public before the suspects took off in another truck. It drove into a field and the suspects then ran off towards a residence.

They were later tracked down with the assistance of a police dog unit and help from the Prince Albert Police Service.

Breana Daniels, 26, from Mistawasis First Nation, has been charged with multiple offences, as have two 16-year-old males who cannot be named as per the Youth Criminal Justice Act. One of those has not yet been arrested and a warrant is out for his arrest.

The two people in custody face charges including use of a firearm, robbery, and break and enter.

Farmer fears

Speaking to paNOW on the condition of anonymity over fears for retaliation, a farm family in Deer Ridge, north of Sturgeon Lake, said the incident is worrying and is the latest in ever-increasing crime in the area.

“I’m very concerned, this isn’t the first time, there have been lots of break-ins,” they said. “It’s sad you don’t feel safe in your own home anymore and you know a police officer can’t be here within five minutes.”

The farmer, who has been in the community for sixty years, said the use of firearms in this latest incident is a big worry.

“We have dogs and security, but we don’t know what else we can do. It seems like there’s no repercussions for [the criminals] and yet we are the victims here.”

The farmer said they wanted an increased police presence, especially at night.

Ahtahkakoop/Shellbrook RCMP and Prince Albert RCMP continue to investigate, along with the assistance of Prince Albert RCMP Forensic Identification Services.

–

glenn.hicks@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @princealbertnow