Maskwacis RCMP continue efforts to combat gun crime in the community.
During 2024, RCMP seized 84 illegal firearms, an increase of 62 per cent over the previous year, according to a release. Maskwacis has one of the highest crime severity indexes in the province and firearm violence represents a large portion of these statistics.
During the first two weeks of June, Maskwacis RCMP has seized several illegal firearms from various calls for service. Examples of these seizures include:
On June 11, an officer making patrols observed an intoxicated male carrying sawed off shot gun. The officer quickly arrested the suspect. A male resident of Maskwacis has charges pending for four weapons offences.
The suspect was released from custody with his next court date set for Aug. 14 at the Alberta Court of Justice in Wetaskiwin.
Also on June 11, an officer making patrols conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle with a suspended driver. During an interaction with the occupants, the investigator observed a loaded shot gun in the vehicle.
After a short foot pursuit, the accused was arrested. Anthony Kelsey Omeasoo, 32, a resident of Maskwacis, has been charged with four weapons offenses, resident arrest, and three counts of possession of a firearms contrary to a prohibition order.
Omeasoo was taken before a justice of the peace and released with his next court date set for June 26 at the Alberta Court of Justice in Maskwacis.
"Through community and leadership support, the Maskwacis RCMP have had success in obtaining information on illegal firearms. To maintain community safety and security, it is important that these relationships are sustained and prohibited firearms are reported to the RCMP," continued the release.
If you have any information regarding the origins of these firearms 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), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the 'P3 Tips' app available through the Apple App or Google Play store.
To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play. To contact RCMP non-emergency line will in any Alberta RCMP jurisdiction, call 310-RCMP (7267).
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