Fort Chipewyan RCMP has laid multiple charges in relation to three shootings that took place in Fort Chipewyan throughout late August.
The first incident took place in the early morning of August 13, 2023, when RCMP responded to a shooting within Fort Chipewyan.
A single gunshot was reported to be fired at a residence where one victim was reported to have suffered minor injuries as a result of the incident, and the unknown suspect fled the scene.
The second shooting was reported at the same residence on the evening of August 21, 2023.
RCMP responded to a report that multiple shots had been fired and that a vehicle had been lit on fire.
Police released a photo of a person of interest who RCMP says has since been located and spoken to.
The third incident was reported on the evening of August 25, 2023, which involved multiple shots fired at two additional residences.
A male suspect was located and arrested which RCMP followed up with a media release, but could not name the accused as charges were not sworn in before the courts.
On September 2, 2023, the second suspect was arrested by RCMP.
Two suspects have been charged after an investigation by Fort Chipewyan RCMP, Wood Buffalo RCMP General Investigation Section and Crime Reduction Unit, and the K Division Emergency Response Team.
Mitchell Marta, a 37-year-old resident of Grande Prairie, Alberta has been charged with 34 charges spanning over the three incidents.
For the August 13, 2023 incident:
- Discharge a firearm with intent to injure
- Pointing a firearm
- Careless use of a firearm
- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm
- Possession of a firearm while prohibited (x2)
For the August 21, 2023 incident:
- Discharge a firearm with intent to injure
- Arson to property
- Pointing a firearm
- Careless use of a firearm
- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm
- Possession of a firearm while prohibited (x2)
- Disguise with intent to commit an indictable offence
For the August 25 incident:
- Discharge a firearm with intent to injure (x4)
- Possession of a firearm while prohibited (x5)
- Careless use of a firearm
- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm
- Carrying a concealed weapon
- Intimidation
- Assault with a weapon
- Possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition
- Mischief not exceeding $5000 (x2)
Gregory Douglas Paquette, a 34-year-old resident of Fort Chipewyan has been charged with 18 charges in relation to the first two incidents.
For the August 13, 2023 incident:
- Discharge a firearm with intent to injure
- Pointing a firearm
- Careless use of a firearm
- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm
- Possession of a firearm while prohibited (x2)
- Fail to comply with an undertaking
For the August 21, 2023 incident:
- Discharge a firearm with intent to injure
- Arson to property
- Pointing a firearm
- Careless use of a firearm
- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm
- Possession of a firearm while prohibited (x2)
- Disguise with intent to commit an indictable offence
- Fail to comply with an undertaking
Both suspects share 52 charges between them and are set to appear in court on September 7, 2023.