Four people are facing multiple firearms-related charges following a police investigation into suspicious activity near a downtown Lloydminster business.
Lloydminster RCMP say they responded around 9 p.m. on June 18 after receiving a report of several individuals behaving suspiciously. Officers located four people matching the caller’s description and determined they were in possession of firearms.
Three of the individuals were arrested without incident at the scene, while a fourth was located later in Onion Lake, Sask.
A subsequent search led to the seizure of multiple firearms, including two loaded rifles, as well as ammunition and weapons-related items.
Shauna Couston, 25, of Fort McMurray, Alta.; Germain Gamble, 26, of Onion Lake, Sask.; Kyle Soosay, 35, of Kehewin Cree Nation, Alta.; and Aimery Thunderblanket, 21, of Sweetgrass First Nation, Sask., are each charged with several offences, including:
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Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
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Possession of a weapon contrary to order
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Unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon
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Resisting arrest
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Possession of fentanyl
Gamble, Soosay and Thunderblanket were remanded into custody pending a future court date. Couston was released on conditions and is scheduled to appear in Lloydminster Provincial Court on July 15.
“We’re thankful for the vigilance of community members who reported this suspicious activity,” said Cpl. Christopher Byford, Support Operations NCO with Lloydminster RCMP. “This swift response prevented a potentially dangerous situation and highlights the importance of public cooperation in keeping our city safe.”
Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact Lloydminster RCMP at 780-808-8400 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.P3Tips.com.