The Central Albert District General Investigative Unit (GIS) has made arrests in connection with the Sept. 21, 2022, shooting of a man outside the Leland Hotel in Ponoka. On Sept. 26, 2022, RCMP with the assistance of units of the Calgary Police Service arrested two individuals at the Cascade Ponds in Banff National Park. Additionally, RCMP with the assistance of the Calgary Police Service executed a search warrant at a property in Calgary resulting in the seizure of 3 firearms.

As a result of the investigation, RCMP have charged Eldon James Junior Saddleback (34), a resident of Maskwacis and Anthony Kelsey Lee Omeasoo (29), a resident of Wetaskiwin with:

·       Attempted Murder with a Firearm

·       Aggravated Assault

·       Assault with a Weapon x 2

·       Discharge Firearm with Intent

·       Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose

·       Fail to Comply with Release Order.

·       An additional charge for Saddleback of Possession of Weapon Contrary to an Order.

Both Saddleback and Omeasoo have been remanded in custody with their next court appearance set for Sept. 29, 2022, at Wetaskiwin Provincial Court.

“This was a complex investigation and arrest which required effective coordination of units within and outside of the RCMP,” said Sergeant Brandon Humbke of the Central Alberta GIS unit, “Officers from RCMP Detachments in Ponoka, Maskwacis, Wetaskiwin, Blackfalds, Airdrie, Banff, and Canmore. RCMP Support units from Southern Alberta GIS and Crime Reduction Units, Central Alberta Crime Reduction Unit, K Division Special I, and CIP Programs and working in conjunction with officers from the Calgary Police Service all worked in tandem to bring this investigation to its successful conclusion.”

BACKGROUND: September 21st

On Sept. 21, 2022 at 0251 a.m., Ponoka RCMP received reports of a shooting near the Leland Hotel in Ponoka. A victim with what appeared to be multiple gun shot wounds was identified and taken to hospital by STARS in stable condition. There was a collision with minor injuries reported near the hotel during this incident. RCMP have deployed additional resources including the Central Alberta General Investigative Section to Ponoka and surrounding area to investigate this incident.

Although early in the investigation, RCMP believe that this was an isolated incident and there is no ongoing risk to the community.