WESTLOCK — Nearly three weeks after a 40-year-old man was shot in the stomach in the Hamlet of Fawcett, the man who police say pulled the trigger remains on the run and is “actively avoiding apprehension.”
Westlock RCMP Detachment acting commander Cpl. Riley Sutherland said Aug. 17 they’ve yet to arrest 30-year-old Justin Alexander McKinney, who faces 10 charges including aggravated assault, using a firearm in the commission of an offence, careless use of a firearm and discharging a firearm with intent.
Police say that at about 5:30 a.m., July 30, emergency medical services (EMS) called RCMP to attend and assist with a 40-year-old man who had been shot in the stomach in the Fawcett, which is roughly 50 kilometres north of the Town of Westlock. On scene, officers determined the identity of the suspect, who had fled, while the victim was transported to an Edmonton-area hospital and is expected to survive.
McKinney has a light complexion, is 5’10” and 180 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes and may be driving a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado which has a very large push bar, with Alberta licence plate CJK 5656 and a decal which reads "Locally hated."
“He’s aware we’re looking for him and he has not turned himself in,” said Sutherland confirmed.
Westlock RCMP advise people not to approach McKinney and if you have information about his whereabouts, to contact them at 780-349-4491, or your local police. For those who want to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
Sutherland said previously the latest incident comes on the heels of an upgraded police presence in the hamlet as they’ve conducted three search warrants in the community over the last number of months, two of which were related to property crimes while the most recent involved the shooting.
“It’s a place that we’re keeping watch on and have our members going to frequently,” she said.
Trio will face theft charges
Two men and one woman will soon face possession of stolen property charges after RCMP were able to recover a plethora of stolen items late last week.
Sutherland said that on Aug. 10, police learned of a theft from the Pembina Dirt Riders Association’s facility on the edge of town at 96th Street (Range Road 265). During investigation, around 5:30 a.m., Aug. 11, a Westlock RCMP officer was able to find a cache of stolen property that had been stashed near the site — Sutherland said that in addition to the association’s gear, tools from CN Rail were also recovered.
Sutherland said that the paperwork has yet to be finished, but expects two men, ages 25 and 32, along with a 38-year-old woman, will at least face charges of possession of stolen property with their first appearance in Westlock Court of Justice to follow.
