VILNA - A confrontation over an alleged fuel theft that resulted in a Vilna man reportedly shooting a firearm, has resulted in court dates for two Lakeland area men.
Smoky Lake RCMP say officers were called to a rural location near Spedden on Saturday, June 18 after receiving a report of a disturbance involving a firearm. Police say two vehicles were at the scene when they arrived, and the drivers of both vehicles were questioned.
According to RCMP, the initial investigation suggests a man had been attempting to take fuel from a rural property when the property owner confronted him. During the confrontation, police say a firearm was discharged by the property owner.
Neither man was injured during the incident.
Smoky Lake RCMP have arrested and charged Earl Roger Flinn, 55, with possession of an unauthorized firearm, discharging a firearm with intent, possession of a dangerous weapon, and careless use of a firearm. He has a first court date appearance in Fort Saskatchewan Provincial Court on July 14.
Jermaine Eugene Steinhauer, 26, of Saddle Lake is facing charges of theft under $5,000, possession of stolen property over $5,000, possession of stolen property under $5,000, flight from police, and driving while prohibited. He also has a July 14 court date at the Fort Saskatchewan Provincial Court.
Both men have been released from custody with court-ordered conditions until their court dates.
Spedden is approximately 40 kilometres northwest of St. Paul and 85 kilometres southeast of Lac La Biche.
