On March 4, 2023, at 3:20 p.m., Ponoka RCMP received a report of a shooting on 53 Street in Ponoka.

The victim reports, that individuals in a GMC pickup shot a firearm at him several times. Fortunately, the victim was uninjured. Officers quickly located the suspect vehicle which fled. Police pursued the vehicle onto Montana First Nation where the vehicle pulled up to a residence and all five occupants were arrested. RCMP searched the vehicle and located:

  • A sawed off .22 caliber rifle
  • Spent shell casings
  • Small amounts of suspected cocaine, suspected methamphetamine, pills,
  • A baton/taser

As a result of the investigation RCMP have charged:

Journey Okeynan (20), a resident of Montana First Nation with:

  • Discharge a firearm with intent
  • Assault with a weapon
  • Possession of prohibited weapon
  • Possession of a controlled substance
  • Firearms offences (x5)
  • Fail to comply with a probation order(x2)
  • Flight from police
  • Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle
  • Possession of firearm with a tampered serial number
  • Disguise with intent

Jacqueline Claudette Johnson-Dieter (48), a resident of Samson First Nation, Cree Lightfoot (21), a resident of Red Pheasant First Nation, Tracy Lightfoot (47), a resident of Ponoka and Leanne Doris Standingontheroad (48), a resident of Montana First Nation with:

  • Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle
  • Flight from police
  • Firearm offences (x4)

All 5 suspects were taken before a justice of the peace. Journey Okeynan has been remanded in custody with his next court date set for March 10, 2023. All other accused have been released with their next court appearance dates set for March 31, 2023, at Ponoka Provincial Court.