FORT MCMURRAY, Alta – On Aug. 6, at approximately 3:15 a.m., Wood Buffalo RCMP responded to the report of two occupants in a Grey Jeep Wrangler pointing a firearm at another driver in the Thickwood area of Fort McMurray. It was alleged that the firearm was pointed and the driver of the Jeep attempted to ram the victim’s vehicle.
RCMP located the Jeep on Thickwood Blvd at Tower Road and a traffic stop was initiated. Both occupants were arrested without incident. The firearm was located and seized from the driver’s side of the Jeep and upon further inspection, it was deemed to be a replica.
30-year-old Cody Batten and 23-year-old Corey King-Blackwood, both male residents of Fort McMurray are facing charges using a firearm in the commission of an offence, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and pointing a firearm.
Cody Batten is facing additional charges of dangerous driving and failure or refusal to comply with demand (alcohol).
Batten and King-Blackwood were held in police custody for a Judicial Interim Release and have since been released. Batten is set to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice in Fort McMurray on Aug. 19, and King-Blackwood is set to appear on Aug. 26.
“Replica firearms are often indistinguishable from real firearms. When one is pointed at another person, the perceived threat is real, and the consequences can be severe.” sadi Inspector Troy Switzer, Acting Officer in charge of Wood Buffalo RCMP. “A replica firearm does not lessen the fear experienced by a victim or the risk posed to those responding. The safest choice is simple: never point a replica firearm at anyone.”
RCMP encourage the public to report any criminal or suspicious activity to police. Reports tell us where to look, who to look for, and where to patrol in the future. If you see a crime in progress, dial 911. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
