Two men were arrested after an altercation at the bar in Fawcett early Saturday resulted in a shot being fired.
A media release from Westlock RCMP Cpl. Lee Grieco-Savoy indicates police responded to the complaint shortly after 2 a.m. on Feb. 1 that a shot had been fired outside Mo’z Bar in Fawcett.
Officers investigating learned that an altercation had taken place between the two men and other patrons of the bar earlier in the evening. RCMP say the two men were told to leave the bar, but returned later with the intention of vandalizing vehicles that were parked outside.
The release says one of the vehicles’ owners left the bar and found one of the men underneath the vehicle, and a struggle ensured. The other suspect had a small-calibre shotgun and fired one shot.
Both the suspects were arrested without incident and are facing charges of careless use of a firearm, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public and mischief.
Const. Dave Wilejto said Sunday that he didn’t know the specifics of the case, but said there weren’t any injuries reported.
“Anything that happened was quick and not significant in that regard,” he said.
The nature of the altercation in the bar was verbal, and Wilejto said it’s not clear what the suspects’ intentions were with the vehicle.
“The truck owner was leaving and noticed somebody was under his truck; at that point it’s just speculation of what was going on,” he said.
He added he believes the shot fired wasn’t directed toward anybody, but rather was let off to “get some attention and prevent the other guy from taking a beating.”
Wilejto added it’s not common to have an incident like where a possible vehicle theft or mischief turns violent — especially with weapons involved.
Someone trying to steal a vehicle will likely have some tools that might give them “the upper hand” in any altercation, though, so the public should exercise caution.
“In Westlock it isn’t typical for guys trying to loot vehicles or steal vehicles to be armed,” he said. “I wouldn’t suggest the public get involved, but I would say this is an isolated incident.”
Wilejto said the two men have been granted bail and are scheduled to appear this Wednesday, Feb. 5, in Westlock Provincial Court.
