Richard Froese
South Peace News
One of three people charged in connection with an incident when gunshots were fired at Atikameg last April was sentenced in High Prairie Court of Justice last week.
Kelly Blanche Cardinal, 27, of Peace River, was handed a global sentence of 180 days after pleading guilty Oct. 21 to careless use of a firearm, flight from peace officers, possessing a firearm or weapon in a vehicle, dangerous operation of a vehicle, and failing to comply with release order conditions.
Cardinal was given credit for time already served in Fort Saskatchewan Correctional Centre and immediately released.
Charges arose after High Prairie RCMP officers responded to a call of gunshots on April 19 at a residence in Atikameg, about 100 km northwest of High Prairie, Crown prosecutor Terrance Hudson told court.
However, by the time officers arrived, suspects had fled in a black pickup truck.
RCMP later observed the vehicle, which failed to stop when prompted. They began to pursue the vehicle and called for assistance. Officers from Slave Lake RCMP, Faust RCMP and Red Earth Creek RCMP, as well as Alberta RCMP Police Dog Services, responded.
Slave Lake RCMP officers deployed a tire deflation device, causing the suspect vehicle to eventually come to a complete stop.
Cardinal was one of two suspects who fled the scene while one remained, the Crown said.
Alberta RCMP Police Dog Services led the chase, ending with three suspects arrested and no major injuries reported.
A search of the vehicle related to the arrest resulted in the seizure of two rifles and ammunition.
After the three suspects were arrested, all were remanded in custody.
Jack George Auger, 24, of Atikameg, and Kevin Wyatt Badger, 22, of Gift Lake Metis Settlement, were also charged in the incident.
Justice S.P. Hinkley agreed with the joint submission for sentencing from the Crown and lawyer Orin Tomlinson, counsel for Cardinal.
“She is taking responsibility for her actions,” Tomlinson told court.
“She was heavily intoxicated at the time and doesn’t remember anything about the incident.”
Justice Hinkley was concerned she was on release conditions at the time of the incident.
However, Cardinal was in the process of seeking rehabilitation.
“I was trying to go for treatment before this happened,” Cardinal told court. “I promise to do better.”
As part of her sentence, Cardinal was also placed on probation for one year and ordered to take treatment and counselling for drugs and alcohol as ordered.Z
Justice Hinalso kley warned her of the potential consequences of the incident.
“These are situations where people get hurt and killed,” he said.
“It kills people for no good reason.
“This is your wake-up call,” he concluded.
Cardinal was also banned from owning or using weapons and firearms for three years and prohibited from driving a vehicle for one year anywhere in Canada.