Charges laid following shooting in Maskwacis on Sept. 22

MASKWACIS -- Charges have been laid in connection with a shooting that occurred on the Montana First Nation.

The incident took place on the evening of Sept. 22, 2026, and resulted in a heavy police presence in the area. The police response included RCMP officers from the Maskwacis and Wetaskiwin detachments, along with the Emergency Response Unit. Following a search of the area, police arrested 19-year-old Justin Standingontheroad.

"The investigation revealed that there was an altercation between two people who were known to each other, and one discharged a firearm," said Catlin Chaisson with the Maskwacis RCMP. "The victim is recovering from injuries sustained."

Justin Standingontheroad, a resident of Maskwacis, has been charged with the following:

• Fail to comply with release condition
• Possession of a restricted/prohibited weapon with ammunition without a licence
• Possession of a weapons for a dangerous purpose
• Aggravated assault
• Discharge firearm with intent

He was remanded into custody and made his first court appearance on Oct. 15, 2026.