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Suspects charged in shooting near Debden appear in court

May 31, 2018 | 5:00 PM

Two people charged in connection with a shooting near Debden last week have made their first appearances in court on a variety of charges.

Ryan Lachance and Erin Whitefish both made appearances at Prince Albert Provincial Court this week on charges stemming from an alleged violent incident outside Debden last Friday. The incident happened in the early morning hours of May 25 after a homeowner on a rural property three kilometres south of Debden found two people stealing rifles from inside his home. The homeowner pursued the suspects, but stopped after shots were fired. Police also pursued the suspects but were unsuccessful.

Lachance and Whitefish were arrested Saturday at a home on the Big River First Nation. Big River RCMP said this week a stolen long-barrel firearm and a stolen Dodge Ram were also found on the First Nation.

Lachance, 22, is charged with possession of stolen property over $5,000, possession of a firearm and ammunition while prohibited, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm obtained by crime and various breaches of court orders. He will remain in custody and is scheduled to appear again in court June 7.