Foothills County RCMP was called to the High River Industrial Park at 11:15 a.m. on June 7 for a report of gunshots inside a business.
A man wearing a black mask and black clothing allegedly entered the business and began shooting what was described as a pistol, according to a press release from the RCMP.
He then fled in a dark coloured sedan and a search by RCMP from Foothills County, Okotoks, and High River was co-ordinated.
When a speeding vehicle with a similar description was located in a rural area and a traffic stop was initiated by police a subsequent investigation led to the two occupants being arrested and the vehicle was seized.
Keon Terrance Alexander (21) and Zaid Muhammad Azam (20) both from Fort McMurray, are facing 12 charges in relation to this incident:
- Attempted murder (x3)
- Use of a firearm during the commission of an offence
- Careless use of a firearm
- Possession of a weapon dangerous to public peace
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm
- Pointing a firearm (x2)
- Possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized
- Unauthorized possession in a motor vehicle
- Possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition
Following a judicial hearing, neither Alexander nor Azam spoke to bail and were scheduled to appear in Okotoks Provincial Court on June 11.
As these matters are before the courts, the RCMP has declined to provide further details.
On June 8 at 10:35 a.m. Foothill RCMP was called to another report of shooting at the same business.
The RCMP press release alleged a lone male exited a car on the street and fired what was described as a shotgun before entering the car and speeding north towards Highway 2A.
The man is described as having dark skin, wearing a light coloured plaid jacket and ball cap. The vehicle is described as a four-door silver or grey Hyundai, possibly an Elantra. It was heavily covered in mud and the front wheels were heavily covered in break dust.
The RCMP believes the incidents were targeted and there is no immediate risk to the public. The matters are still under investigation.
Foothills County RCMP is asking the public's assistance for any information in relation to this incident or identifying those responsible. Anyone with information is asked to contact Foothills County RCMP at 403-933-4262 or local police. Those wishing to remain anonymous, can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
