RCMP have arrested two men following a shooting outside the Leland Hotel in Ponoka last week.
Ponoka RCMP received reports of the shooting at 2:51 a.m. on Sept. 21 and the victim, who was taken to hospital by STARS air ambulance in stable condition, appeared to have suffered multiple gun shot wounds.
A collision with minor injuries was reported near the hotel at the same time as the shooting.
On Sept. 26, two men were arrested at the Cascade Ponds in Banff National Park who were allegedly connected with the shooting.
RCMP, with the assistance of the Calgary Police Service, also executed a search warrant at a property in Calgary resulting in the seizure of three firearms.
“This was a complex investigation and arrest which required effective coordination of units within and outside of the RCMP,” said Sgt. Brandon Humbke of the Central Alberta GIS unit.
He said officers from RCMP Detachments in Ponoka, Maskwacis, Wetaskiwin, Blackfalds, Airdrie, Banff, and Canmore, in addition to RCMP Support units from Southern Alberta GIS and Crime Reduction Units, Central Alberta Crime Reduction Unit, K Division Special I, and CIP Programs, worked with officers from the Calgary Police Service.
Eldon James Junior Saddleback, 34, of Maskwacis, and Anthony Kelsey Lee Omeasoo, 29, of Wetaskiwin are both charged with attempted murder with a firearm, aggravated assault, two counts of assault with a weapon, discharging a firearm with intent, possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose, and failing to comply with a release order.
Saddleback was also charged with 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, at Wetaskiwin Provincial Court.