RCMP are looking for a man who allegedly let loose with a series of shots at a house party in the Goodfish Lake area in the early morning hours of Aug. 4. According to a RCMP press release, Larry Napope is considered “unpredictable, armed and dangerous.”
Smoky Lake RCMP responded to a call of shots being fired at a rural residence. Witnesses reported to police that an intoxicated individual had been asked to leave the party after having a verbal altercation with one of the guests. He left, but not until uttering threats that he would return with a gun, according to an RCMP press release.
The same individual returned a short time later, armed with what appeared to be a shotgun, and fired several shots at two different people as they attempted to take cover. Fortunately, no one was hit and no injuries were sustained. Investigators understand the shooting occurred in the front yard of the residence. Both the victims and offender where outside and on foot at the time.
The suspect then fled the area in a vehicle described as a red 1989 Chevrolet GMT 400, with a flare side box and oversized rear tires.
RCMP believe the shooter to be 31-year-old Napope, of Goodfish Lake. He is described as an aboriginal male, standing about 5’8" in height, 192 lbs., with brown hair and brown eyes. He is facing a number of firearms related charges, including assault with a weapon, careless use of a firearm, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and failure to comply with a recognizance.
Smoky Lake RCMP have recovered the suspect’s vehicle and a warrant has been issued for his arrest. Napope is known to frequent the St. Paul area but RCMP suspect he may have traveled to Edmonton. He commonly goes by the name of J.R., or “Junior” Whitford.
RCMP urged anyone knowing Napope’s whereabouts not to approach him, but to contact local police immediately.
Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or who may have any information on his whereabouts, to contact Smoky Lake RCMP at (780) 656-3550, or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477).
