Alberta RCMP are releasing details into the events that led to a Police Initiated Public alert advising residents of Ponoka County and Maskwacis to shelter in place.

On May 3, 2023, Maskwacis RCMP received report of shots fired at a vehicle in Maskwacis. As a result of that investigation, RCMP issued an arrest warrant for 30-year-old Zachary Dylan Littlechild.

On May 7, 2023, at 4:18 p.m., Maskwacis RCMP received a report of an assault. RCMP learned that the suspect threatened and pointed a firearm at the victim. Maskwacis RCMP alerted neighbouring detachments of the suspect and possible vehicle description.

An officer with Wetaskiwin RCMP located the vehicle and observed it pull onto Highway 611. A pursuit was initiated assisted by local members. During the pursuit, an occupant in the vehicle was observed to be shooting a firearm at police.The pursuit ended when the suspect vehicle was located rolled over on Range Road 250 South of Highway 52. The driver of the vehicle was quickly located and arrested. The passenger fled on foot.

RCMP issued an advisory to local residents and called in their Emergency Response Team, Air Services, Police Dog Service, and officers from Ponoka, Maskwacis, Red Deer, Wetaskiwin, Bashaw, and Leduc Detachments.

On May 8, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. a local resident called in a report of a suspicious person.  Ponoka RCMP responded and were able to successfully locate the suspect.

A firearm was seized from the suspect during his arrest.

As a result of the investigation RCMP have charged 38-year-old Maskwacis resident, Stephen Bradley Erminskin, with:

  • Possession of Firearm in Vehicle
  • Possession Property over $5,000
  • Dangerous Operation of Motor Vehicle
  • Flight from Peace Officer
  • Possession of Prohibited Firearm while Prohibited (x3)

Emineskin was taken before a justice of the peace and remanded in custody with his next court date set for May 16, 2023 at the Alberta Court of Justice in Wetaskiwin, Alberta.

30-year-old Maskwacis resident, Zachary Dylan Littlechild, has been charged with:

  • Flight from Peace Officer
  • Assault (x2)
  • Pointing Firearm (x3)
  • Utter Threats (x2)
  • Use Firearm while committing Indictable offence
  • Remove/Deface Serial Number on Firearm
  • Obstruct Peace Officer
  • Possession Firearm knowing it was obtained by an Offence
  • Possession Prohibited/Restricted Firearm
  • Possession of Firearm in Vehicle
  • Possession of Prohibited/Restricted Weapon without a Licence
  • Discharge Firearm with Intent
  • Careless Use of Firearm
  • Fail to Remain at Scene of Accident

Littlechild was taken before a justice of the peace and remanded in custody with his next court date set for June 6, 2023 at the Alberta Court of Justice in Wetaskiwin, Alberta.