STURGEON COUNTY - Viking RCMP say they've arrested and charged a 22-year-old resident of Sturgeon County following a shooting near Bruce, Alberta on July 25.
The Sturgeon County resident, Justus Zawislake is facing four charges, while a second suspect, 30-year-old Aaron Robertson of no fixed address is facing 13 charges, including discharge of a firearm, assault with a weapon, possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose, and more, RCMP say.
Zawislake has been charged with resisting arrest, possession of stolen property over $5,000, possession of break-in instruments, and failure to comply with a release order, according to a July 31 media release from the RCMP.
“On July 25, 2023, at approximately 6:52 p.m., Viking RCMP received a report of gun shots at a residence north of Bruce,” the release states. “It was reported that a vehicle entered the property and started shooting, striking the victim in the hand.”
The release says RCMP, as well as the Eastern Alberta Crime Reduction Unit, the Central Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit,an Edmonton Police Service helicopter, “and several surrounding RCMP detachments” pursued the vehicle before it was driven into the ditch and the occupants fled on foot.
“Two (suspects) fled from police on foot and with the assistance of the Police Dog Service, they were located and arrested, the release says. “Investigation determined that the truck was stolen from (Spruce Grove) a month prior.”
RCMP say Robertson remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 1 in Lloydminster, Alberta, while Zawislake was released from custody with a scheduled court appearance for Aug. 1 in Vegreville, Alberta.
The RCMP release also says that after further investigation, a property in Lamont, Alberta, was searched and officers seized two stolen trucks and a stolen cargo trailer.
“This investigation is continuing and further criminal charges are pending,” the release says.
