Maskwacis RCMP seized two weapons on the same day in separate incidents, with two suspects arrested on various or pending charges.
On June 11, an officer on patrol observed an intoxicated male carrying a sawed-off shotgun.
The officer quickly arrested the suspect. A male resident of Maskwacis has charges pending for four weapons offences.
He was released from custody, with his next court date set for Aug. 14 at the Alberta Court of Justice in Wetaskiwin.
On the same day, another officer on patrol conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by a suspended driver. During the interaction, the officer observed a loaded gun inside the vehicle.
After a short foot chase, the accused was arrested.
Anthony Kelsey Omeasoo, 32, of Maskwacis, has been charged with four weapons offences, resisting arrest and three counts of possession of a firearm contrary to a prohibition order.
Omeasoo was brought before a justice of the peace and released. His next court appearance is scheduled for June 26, 2025, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Maskwacis.
In 2024, Maskwacis RCMP seized 84 illegal firearms — a 62 per cent increase over the previous year.
According to the RCMP, Maskwacis has one of the highest crime severity indexes in the province, with gun violence accounting for a large portion of the statistics.
RCMP say that reporting illegal firearms is critical to maintaining community safety and security.
If you have any information regarding the origins of these firearms, please contact the Maskwacis RCMP at 780-585-4600. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
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