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Edmonton Air Services and 5 RCMP detachments team up to arrest 2 Onion Lake men

Two men have been charged with multiple weapons-related offences after a firearm was allegedly discharged in a home on Onion Lake Cree Nation Saturday. RCMP arrested Layne Pahtayken, 23, and Gerome Christopher Okemow, 20, both from Onion Lake.
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RCMP arrested Layne Pahtayken, 23, and Gerome Christopher Okemow, 20, after they allegedly discharged a firearm in a residence on Onion Lake Saturday.

Two men have been charged with multiple weapons-related offences after a firearm was allegedly discharged in a home on Onion Lake Cree Nation Saturday.

RCMP arrested Layne Pahtayken, 23, and Gerome Christopher Okemow, 20, both from Onion Lake.

According to Onion Lake, Sask., RCMP, they responded to a call of shots fired at a home at about 9:30 a.m. on April 10. The caller and his family, who were inside the home, were able to escape to a nearby residence and were unharmed.

Police say the suspects fled Onion Lake and headed towards Lloydminster. At that time, Alberta RCMP issued a media release warning the public that the two were at large and believed to be armed and dangerous.

Police from Onion Lake, Maidstone, Lloydminster, Kitscoty and Elk Point RCMP detachments were dispatched to locate the two suspects. In addition, the Edmonton Air Services and RCMP Canine Unit helped locate and arrest the suspects. Pahtayken and Okemow were taken into custody without incident.

The North Battleford RCMP Detachment and the Underwater Recovery and Forensic Identification sections are assisting with the ongoing investigation.

Pahtayken was charged with careless use of a firearm, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, unauthorized possession of a firearm/prohibited or restricted weapon, possession of a weapon obtained by crime, possession of a weapon/firearm/device/ammunition in a motor vehicle, flight from a peace officer, dangerous driving, theft of a truck, mischief over $5,000, damage to property, pointing a firearm, discharging a firearm with intent, and failing to comply with an undertaking.

Okemow is charged with careless use of a firearm, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, unauthorized possession of a firearm/prohibited or restricted weapon, possession of a weapon obtained by crime, possession of a firearm/weapon/device/ammunition in a vehicle, flight from a peace officer, dangerous driving, theft of a truck, mischief over $5,000, and damage to property.

Both Okemow and Pahtayken will appear in Lloydminster Provincial Court April 15.

Onion Lake Cree Nation borders the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan and is located about 50 kilometres north of Lloydminster.