News release
Update - Pukatawagan RCMP investigating two separate shooting incidents
February 5, 2025
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Mathias Colomb Cree Nation, Manitoba
From: Manitoba RCMP
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Update - Pukatawagan RCMP have located and arrested 22-year-old Austin Castel. He will be remanded into custody on a number of charges. The RCMP would like to thank the public for the numerous tips received that led to his arrest as well as the recovery of the firearm used in this incident.
On February 1, 2025, at approximately 4:00 am, Pukatawagan RCMP were called after the victim of a shooting arrived at the Nursing Station in the community.
When officers arrived at the Nursing Station, they found a 36-year-old male being treated for a non-life-threatening gunshot wound.
The victim told officers he was threatened by a male suspect, while inside a vehicle with four other occupants, after being offered a ride. A struggle ensued inside the vehicle and it was then that the victim was shot.
The victim managed to escape the vehicle and run to safety. The four other occupants inside the vehicle, (2 females, 2 males) were not injured.
While officers were still at the Nursing Station, a second male victim arrived with a non-life-threatening gunshot injury. The 43-year-old male victim was not cooperative with police.
In relation to the first shooting, RCMP have arrested a 16-year-old male at a residence in the community and charged him with the following:
- Aggravated Assault
- Discharge Firearm with Intent
- Careless Use of a Firearm
- Possession of a Firearm when Knowing Possession Unauthorized
- Possession of a Firearm in Motor Vehicle
- Obstruct Justice
- Possession of Restricted Firearm/Ammunition Without a License/Registration
- Fail to Comply with Undertaking
RCMP have issued a Warrant of Arrest issued for 22-year-old Austin Castel also in relation to the first shooting.
Pukatawagan RCMP are asking anyone with information to please call the detachment at 204-553-2342, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477, or secure tip online at www.manitobacrimestoppers.com.
The investigation continues.