An alleged gang member charged in connection to an incident on New Year’s Day where Onion Lake RCMP were shot at during a high-speed chase asked the court for time to save money for a lawyer.
Melissa McAlpine, 32, told Lloydminster Provincial Court on March 3 that she needs to come up with $2,100 before a lawyer will represent her.
“I was trying, I have a lawyer in mind,” said McAlpine who was appearing by phone. “I have to get $2,100 so I’m saving up like how to do that.”
Judge Kim Young asked the Crown what its position was on the requested adjournment.
“She is making progress so that’s good,” said the Crown who wasn’t opposed to the adjournment. The Crown added there are new charges of breach of curfew on Jan. 24 against McAlpine.
In connection to the Jan. 1, 2021, incident, McAlpine is charged with discharging a firearm with intent to endanger life, being an occupant of a vehicle knowing there was a firearm, and assault of a police officer with a weapon.
McAlpine, along with Glynnis Larene Chief, Twaine Derek Buffalo-Naistus, Tyler Ryan Wolfe, and Danny Lee Weeseekase, were arrested on Onion Lake Cree Nation Jan. 1, 2021. They allegedly shot at Onion Lake RCMP who were pursuing the SUV they were driving on Onion Lake Cree Nation. One of the occupants allegedly pointed a rifle out of a window and started shooting at the police. Police continued to pursue the SUV, which eventually stopped in front of the high school on Onion Lake. All five were arrested.
Judge Kim Young granted McAlpine an adjournment until March 17 to “round up some money” and cautioned her to keep working on obtaining a lawyer.
The charges against McAlpine haven’t been proven in court.
RCMP say the occupants of the SUV were identified as street gang associates. North Battleford Provincial RCMP General Investigation Section took over the investigation.
If you are associated with a gang and want to leave it, contact STR8 UP in northern Saskatchewan at 306-763-3001, STR8 UP in central Saskatchewan at 306-244-1771, or Regina Treaty Status Indian Services in southern Saskatchewan at 306-522-7494 to get assistance.
If anyone has any information that could assist investigators, please contact Onion Lake RCMP at 306-344-5550. Information can also be submitted anonymously to Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submitting a tip online at www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
Onion Lake Cree Nation borders the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan and is located about 50 kilometres north of Lloydminster.
