The Crown is proceeding by indictment against two men accused of discharging a firearm in a home on Onion Lake Cree Nation last weekend. Â
Lane Ryder Pahtayken, 23, and Gerome Christopher Okemow, 20, both from Onion Lake, are charged with multiple firearms related offences. The two had appearances in Lloydminster Provincial Court April 15.
Legal aide lawyer Andrew Lyster asked for a bail verification report for both Pahtayken and Okemow.
Onion Lake RCMP responded to shots fired at a home at about 9:30 a.m. on April 10. The occupants inside the home escaped to a nearby residence and were unharmed.
Police say the suspects fled Onion Lake, Sask., and headed towards the border city of Lloydminster. Alberta RCMP issued a media release warning the public that the two were at large and considered armed and dangerous. Edmonton Air Services and RCMP Canine Unit were deployed to help locate and arrest the suspects.
They were arrested without incident near Kitscoty, Alta.
Pahtayken was charged with seven firearms-related offences, flight from a peace officer, dangerous driving, theft of a truck, mischief over $5,000, damage to property, and failing to comply with an undertaking.
Pahtayken also has charges from February including assault, obstruction and breach of an undertaking.
Okemow is charged with five firearms-related offences, flight from a peace officer, dangerous driving, theft of a truck, mischief over $5,000, and damage to property.
Pahtayken and Okemow are both due back in court on April 26.
Onion Lake Cree Nation declared a state of emergency in January 2020 after the Nation experienced increased drug and gang-related activity.
“The Nation has now experienced three deaths directly related to drugs and gang activity within the last two months, along with numerous high speed chases and violent crimes,” said Onion Lake Cree Nation in a statement when declaring a state of emergency Jan. 24, 2020.
If you are associated with a gang and want to leave it, contact STR8 UP in northern Saskatchewan at 306-763-3001, STR8 UP in central Saskatchewan at 306-244-1771, or Regina Treaty Status Indian Services in southern Saskatchewan at 306-522-7494 to get assistance.
If anyone has any information that could assist investigators, please contact Onion Lake RCMP at 306-344-5550. Information can also be submitted anonymously to Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submitting a tip online at www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
