A May 19 traffic stop by the Leduc RCMP Drug Unit has led to an arrest and the seizure of weapons and drugs.
Shortly after 6:00 p.m., RCMP officers were on “proactive patrol” in the area of 50 Avenue and 49 Street when a vehicle with a licence plate which appeared “altered” was observed.
Officers ran the licence plate, and it came back as having been previously stolen out of the City of Edmonton.
Following the suspect vehicle, officers conducted a traffic stop once it had entered a parking lot on 50 Avene.
Four of the five occupants were arrested at the scene; the fifth was arrested “a short distance away following a short foot pursuit.”
Officers searched the vehicle, locating “a loaded sawed-off shotgun, imitation firearm, collapsible baton, several edged weapons, ammunition, drug paraphernalia” and a significant quantity of drugs, including “suspected fentanyl, gamma-hydroxybutyrate, methamphetamine and prescription medication.”
Three individuals were charged as a result of the investigation.
Harley George Wayne Okemaw, 34, an Edmonton resident, was charged with:
-Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
-Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
-Unauthorized possession of a firearm
-Unauthorized possession in motor vehicle
-possession of a prohibited firearm with ammunition
-Fraudulent concealment
-Three counts of possession contrary to an order
Okemaw was remanded into custody at least until his next scheduled hearing in the Leduc Court of Justice on June 22.
Grande Cache resident Samuel M Blackmore, 33, was charged with:
Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
-Fraudulent concealment
-Two counts of failure to comply with release conditions
-Two counts of Possession of a Scheduled
Blackmore was also remanded into custody and is next scheduled to appear on June 15.
Heaven Gouchey, 20, of Edmonton, was the last individual charged. She faces charges of:
-Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
-Fraudulent concealment
-Two counts of failure to comply with release conditions
Gouchey was also remanded into custody following a judicial hearing and is next scheduled to appear on June 28.
“This is one example of the ongoing proactive work being done by our officers,” said Cpl. De Billy, Leduc RCMP Drug Unit.
“Through teamwork, we have removed weapons and illegal drugs from the community. May this be a reminder to those involved in the drug trade that we are out there and looking for you.”
If anyone has information regarding criminal activity anywhere in town, contact your local RCMP detachment. The Leduc RCMP can be reached at 780-980-7267.
For those wishing to remain anonymous, call Alberta Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or find them online at www.p3tips.com, or via mobile using the P3 Tips app available through Apple and Android stores.
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