WESTLOCK — Westlock RCMP continue their search for a 30-year-old Fawcett man they say pulled the trigger in an early-morning shooting last Sunday, July 30, that sent another man to hospital.
Police say that at about 5:30 a.m., July 30, emergency medical services (EMS) called RCMP to attend and assist with a 40-year-old man who had been shot in the stomach in the Hamlet of Fawcett, roughly 50 kilometres north of the Town of Westlock.
On scene, officers determined the identity of the suspect, who had fled, while the victim was transported to an Edmonton-area hospital and is expected to survive.
Justin Alexander McKinney, 30, who’s described as having a light complexion, is 5’10” and 180 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes, now faces 10 charges including aggravated assault, using a firearm in the commission of an offence, careless use of a firearm and discharging a firearm with intent.
Police say McKinney may be driving a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado which has a very large push bar, with Alberta licence plate CJK 5656 and a decal which reads "Locally hated."
In an Aug. 3 interview, Westlock RCMP Detachment acting commander Cpl. Riley Sutherland said they believe McKinney is “actively avoiding us” and currently remains at large. Westlock RCMP advise people not to approach McKinney and if you have information about his whereabouts, to contact them at 780-349-4491, or your local police. For those who want to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
Sutherland said the latest incident comes on the heels of an upgraded police presence in the hamlet as they’ve conducted three search warrants in Fawcett over the last number of months, two of which were related to property crimes while the most recent involved the shooting.
“It’s a place that we’re keeping watch on and have our members going to frequently,” Sutherland added.
