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2 men accused of shooting in Onion Lake home have court appearances

Following a shooting into an Onion Lake home police issued a warning to the public and hours later, Edmonton Police Air Services and five RCMP detachments teamed up to arrest Gerome Okemow and Lane Pahtayken
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On April 10, 2021, shots were fired into a home on Onion Lake. Police say the people inside fled to a nearby residence and weren’t harmed.

LLOYDMINSTER –Two men accused of shooting inside an Onion Lake home last year had appearances in Lloydminster court Wednesday.

The attendance of Gerome Christopher Okemow, 21, and Lane Ryder Pahtayken, 24, of Onion Lake was waived March 2.

Legal Aid lawyer Lee Douglas appeared by phone representing Okemow and told the court he needs the rest of the disclosure, adding that he wants to resolve the matter and is in discussions with the Crown.

Okemow is now scheduled to appear April 6 by CCTV from the correctional centre.

Defence Katherine Pocha said she was ready to set a trial date for Pahtayken.

The Crown said 22 witnesses were anticipated but they would like to shorten the witness list.

Pahtayken's case management is scheduled for April 1 and his next scheduled court appearance is on April 6 when he will appear by CCTV.

Paytahken’s trial didn’t proceed in September 2021 after the court heard there was a possible resolution between the Crown and defence.

The two are charged in connection to an incident on April 10, 2021, where shots were fired into a home on Onion Lake. Police say the people inside fled to a nearby residence and weren’t harmed. Police from Onion Lake, Maidstone, Lloydminster, Kitscoty and Elk Point RCMP detachments were dispatched to help locate the two suspects.

Police air services and 5 detachments arrest Okemow and Pahtayken

Police issued a warning to the public that two men were at large and considered armed and dangerous. Hours later, Edmonton Police Air Services and five RCMP detachments teamed up to locate and arrest Okemow and Pahtayken near Kitscoty, Alta.

Pahtayken was charged with seven firearms-related offences, flight from a peace officer, dangerous driving, theft of a truck, mischief over $5,000, damage to property, and failing to comply with an undertaking.

Okemow was charged with five firearms-related offences, flight from a peace officer, dangerous driving, theft of a truck, mischief over $5,000, and damage to property.

The North Battleford RCMP and the RCMP Underwater Recovery and Forensic Identification sections assisted with the investigation.

The charges against Pahtayken and Okemow haven't been proven in court.

ljoy@glaciermedia.ca