On Dec. 2, 2021 at approximately 10:29 a.m., Wetaskiwin RCMP responded to a 911 call of a male who entered a business and pointed a firearm at two employees in the area of 41 Avenue and 56 Street in Wetaskiwin.

Wetaskiwin RCMP with the assistance of Wetaskiwin RCMP General Investigation Section (GIS) attended the business where they evacuated the business for public safety and searched for the suspect. The suspected was not located at the scene.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the male suspected entered the business, pointed what is believed to be a firearm at two employees, ran out of the building and fled the scene in a truck later determined to be stolen from a business in Leduc. Both employees were not physically injured.

Wetaskiwin RCMP GIS and Wetaskiwin RCMP Crime Reduction Unit executed a search warrant at a residence in Wetaskiwin and arrested one male.

Shawn Robert Douglas Phinney (30) from Wetaskiwin was charged with:

  • Use of a firearm in commission of offence
  • Pointing a firearm (x2)
  • Assault with a weapon (x2)
  • Carrying concealed weapon
  • Possession of a firearm knowing possession is unauthorized
  • Disguised with intent
  • Theft of motor vehicle
  • Break and enter
  • Fail to comply with release order
  • Possession contrary to order

Following a judicial hearing Phinney was remanded into custody. He is next scheduled to appear in Wetaskiwin Provincial court on Dec. 17, 2021.