On May 1, the Maskwacis RCMP received an urgent 911 call for a serious assault in progress at a residence in Ermineskin Cree Nation. 

As officers arrived at the property, the attacker fled in an SUV and police gave chase. The pursuit continued into Samson Cree Nation where police deployed a tire deflation device and eventually immobilized the SUV. 

The driver, who was already wanted in relation to other incidents, including an October 2023, investigation when after a pursuit he was arrested with cocaine and a shot gun, was again arrested and found to be in possession of a shotgun and a significant quantity of ammunition.

Matthew Jake Omeasoo (29), a resident of Montana First Nation was charged with:

  • Possession of a weapon contrary to an order;
  • Unauthorized possession of a firearm;
  • Assault with a weapon;
  • Flight from police;
  • Dangerous operation of a conveyance;
  • Failing to comply with a release order; and
  • Possession of a firearm with ammunition in a motor vehicle.

Omeasoo was taken before a Justice of the Peace and initially remanded to speak to bail. On May 3, Omeasoo was released by the courts with his next court date set for May 14, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Wetaskiwin.