A violent confrontation involving gunfire and a dramatic police pursuit south of Edmonton has resulted in multiple charges against a teenager and a woman, Alberta RCMP announced Wednesday.
The incident unfolded on Tuesday afternoon when Leduc RCMP officers responded to reports of a suspicious vehicle in the area of Range Road 255 and Township Road 492. What began as a routine check quickly escalated into a dangerous situation.
Shots Fired at Police
According to authorities, the occupants of the vehicle allegedly discharged a firearm toward responding officers before fleeing the scene. Fortunately, no officers were injured during the shooting.
The suspects then led police on a high-speed chase that stretched across multiple rural roads in Leduc County. The pursuit finally concluded when the vehicle became disabled, allowing officers to safely take both suspects into custody.
Charges Laid Against Both Suspects
The Alberta RCMP have charged a 16-year-old male, who cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, with numerous offenses including:
- Discharging a firearm with intent
- Assaulting a peace officer with a weapon
- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
- Flight from police
- Possession of property obtained by crime
Melissa Dawn Cardinal, a 38-year-old woman from Alexander First Nation, faces identical charges plus additional counts of possession of a firearm contrary to a prohibition order and possession of a controlled substance.
Ongoing Investigation
Both accused remain in custody and are scheduled to appear in Wetaskiwin Provincial Court on Thursday. The Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit has taken over the investigation and is working to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Authorities have confirmed that this appears to be an isolated incident and there is no ongoing threat to public safety. The investigation continues as police work to piece together the events that led to this dangerous confrontation.
