The Bonnyville RCMP are asking for public assistance in their investigation into a shooting.
According to a news release sent out from the Bonnyville detachment on Thursday afternoon, the shooting took place after a nighttime theft of a truck. The theft took place shortly after 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday night, after a black Ford Escape pulled into the Hawkeye’s Liqour Store parking lot in La Corey.
A man, who was dressed in a grey gymsuit and holding a machete, exited the passenger side of the vehicle and got into a black Ford F350. The vehicle had been left in the parking lot of the liqour store, running, with the keys still inside, and the thief drove out of the parking lot, narrowly missing the owner of the store on his way out.
The stolen truck is bearing an Alberta licence plate of BNW 5764.
Five co-workers of the stolen truck’s owner were nearby, and found the truck on Highway 55, attempting to pursue it westbound. However, they were unaware that they were being followed by the original Ford Escape. The driver of the stolen truck then stopped, backing up towards their pursuers and ramming their vehicle.
The Ford Escape then drove past the rammed vehicle, and fired a shotgun round at their truck, striking the driver, who has since been treated in hospital.
The investigation into what took place is now ongoing, and the Bonnyville RCMP are asking for anyone with information to call the local detachment, or Crime Stoppers.
The Bonnyville RCMP would also like to remind the public not to chase or pursue suspects in situations like these as they put themselves and the general public at risk.
