CALLING LAKE – Athabasca RCMP officers have laid charges against a youth from Calling Lake who they said fled from a traffic stop while carrying a rifle.
In a Sept. 5 release, Athabasca RCMP Const. Kyle Hotchkiss said that during a proactive patrol of the Calling Lake area Aug. 8, an RCMP member noticed an ATV accelerating in the opposite direction at a “high rate of speed.” According to the release, when the RCMP officers activated emergency equipment and attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the vehicle continued to travel for a short distance before colliding with a tree.
Police say that the youth, while wearing a ski mask, turned and raised a rifle at the members. Hotchkiss said the members acted quickly, taking the youth into custody without further risk to the public.
Athabasca RCMP have charged the youth with several offences including: flight from a peace officer, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, careless use of a firearm, unauthorized possession of a firearm, and pointing a firearm.
Following an undated judicial release hearing, the accused was released from custody with conditions to abide by. Under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the individual’s identity is protected.
Athabasca RCMP encourage the public to report any criminal or suspicious activity. Reports tell them where to look, who to look for, and where to patrol in the future. If you see a crime in progress, dial 911. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
