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Antonio Charles was sentenced on Friday at Prince Albert Provincial Court. (File photo/ paNOW Staff)
Court proceedings

Shooting at Sturgeon Lake First Nation results in 18-month jail sentence.

Sep 9, 2023 | 8:00 AM

A man involved in a shooting incident and truck theft has received a 27-month jail sentence and a one-year driving ban.

Antonio Charles appeared Friday morning at Prince Albert Provincial Court.

The shooting happened in July 2022 at Sturgeon Lake First Nation. According to facts read in court by Crown Prosecutor Natasha Maclean, two trucks came to a stop near the community’s store.

An altercation occurred and two men were sent to hospital with gunshot wounds. Charles was among those holding a gun but did not shoot anyone.

One of the trucks involved had been stolen from Prince Albert and later found burned on Sturgeon River road.

Prior to accepting the joint submission from lawyers, Judge Daunt reminded Charles he was a part of what happened and was fortunate not to have been charged with being an accessory.

The vehicle theft last April involved a truck stolen from a business in the Big River area. While fleeing from police on grid roads, Charles engaged in speeds between 80 and 120 km/hr and failed to stop at multiple intersections. The vehicle was eventually brought to a stop near Shellbrook when police deployed a spike belt.

With credit for time spent in remand custody, Charles has just over 19 months left to serve. Following his release from custody, he’s prohibited from driving for a period of one year and cannot own or possess any firearms or explosives for life.

Judge Daunt did however acknowledge Charles could apply for an exemption if the gun was being used for gathering sustenance (hunting).

Throughout the proceedings, Charles, who appeared by video from the Prince Albert Correctional Centre, sat with his arms crossed and declined comment when provided the opportunity.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

@nigelmaxwell

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