One of the suspects in a drug bust at a residence in Northlands Trailer Park last month is now facing charges in Edmonton for what's being called a 'completely random' shooting.
The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) announced on its social media feed Wednesday that Jackito Guiawan, 19, has been charged with discharging a firearm with intent, discharging a firearm recklessly, possession of a firearm knowing it is unauthorized, unauthorized possession of a motor vehicle and possession of a restricted firearm with ammunition.
It all stems from an incident in Edmonton on July 14, where an 18-year-old female came out onto the balcony of her apartment and reportedly asked the driver of a vehicle to quiet down. The male suspect, who was visiting a nearby location and was being picked up by the same vehicle’s driver, then began arguing with the female on the balcony. The suspect allegedly fired one shot at the female before getting into the vehicle, which then fled the scene.
The investigation by the EPS' Firearms Investigation Unit identified Guiawan as the suspect, and a Canada-wide warrant was issued for his arrest.
EPS stated officers came to Yellowknife to arrest Guiawan on that warrant after learning of his capture and three guns being seized as a result of the August bust. A ballistics analysis performed by the EPS Firearms Examination Unit found that one of the firearms is believed to have been the weapon used in the July incident.
“This shooting is a prime example of the gun violence in our city that our units are prioritizing. We do not take these public occurrences lightly and will not stop at city limits to apprehend those responsible for gun violence in our city,” stated Staff Sgt. Eric Stewart, with the EPS Guns and Gangs Section. “Unprovoked, random attacks on innocent civilians will not be overlooked, and the expansion of our Firearms Investigation Unit will continue to prioritize these occurrences, as well as actively pursue those involved.”
Guiawan is already facing several drug and firearms-related charges in connection with last month's bust as well as charges from a traffic stop on Highway 3 in February, when 1.9 kg of cocaine and a firearm were seized.
He's due to appear in territorial court by video to speak to all of those charges on Sept. 24.