LLOYDMINSTER – Charges against a man who was wanted by Loon Lake RCMP for a shooting on Island Lake First Nation were waived Wednesday from Lloydminster court back to Meadow Lake court.
Defence Andrew Lyster asked the court if 22-year-old Kashtin Sandfly’s charge of possession of property over $5,000 obtained by crime could stay in the Lloydminster court but Crown Prosecutor Oryn Holm objected saying he wants that charge waived back to Meadow Lake to be included with his other charges. Judge Michelle Baldwin waived Sandfly's matters back to Meadow Lake court to be dealt with together on April 11.
The other charges that the Crown referred to stem from a Dec. 21, 2021, incident where a shot was fired at a home on Island Lake First Nation around 8 a.m., which injured a man inside. Approximately four hours later, Loon Lake RCMP responded to a report of an injured man inside a vehicle. They found the vehicle on a remote heavily snow-covered road and an injured man was inside. Police had to transport him to a main road so he could receive medical attention.
Police charged Sandfly with discharging a firearm with intent and being in a vehicle knowing there was a firearm. They released his photo to the public and said he was considered armed and dangerous. When describing him, police said Sandfly had a tattoo with the word “Loyalty” above his left eyebrow.
As a result of the investigation, police also charged 30-year-old Kirk Crookedneck, from Island Lake First Nation with attempted murder, aggravated assault, and discharging a firearm while being reckless. Andrew Opikokew, 22, from Mudie Lake First Nation, and Harold Jr. Mitsuing, 32, of Island Lake First Nation, were charged with discharging a firearm while being reckless, and being an occupant of a vehicle with a firearm.
Mitsuing was also wanted by police and they released his photo saying he was considered armed and dangerous. He was apprehended and appeared in Meadow Lake court March 2. Opikokew and Crookedneck appeared March 24.
The charges against the accused haven’t been proven in court.
ljoy@glaciermedia.ca
