Cold Lake, Alta - Based on an extensive police investigation in relation to the suspected targeted shootings which occurred on Nov. 8, James Lees was arrested on Nov. 14 and held in police custody.

Cold Lake RCMP was assisted by Cold Lake RCMP General Investigation Section, Lakeland Crime Reduction Unit and St. Paul RCMP Forensic Identification Section. During this investigation, search warrants were obtained and executed by police. The firearm believed to have been used in the commission of these offences has been recovered, along with additional ammunition.

James Robert Lees (27) of Cold Lake, has been charged with multiple offences, including:

• Attempted murder (x2)

• Aggravated assault (x2)

• Discharging a firearm with intent (x2)

• Possession of a firearm and ammunition while prohibited (x3)

• Unauthorized possession of a restricted firearm with ammunition

• Possession of a restricted firearm without a licence or registration

• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose

James was remanded into custody and will appear in the Cold Lake Provincial Court of Justice on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025.

Cold Lake RCMP are still actively investigating this incident and are requesting assistance from the public. To report any information regarding this incident to the police, you are asked to contact the Cold Lake RCMP Detachment at 780-594-3302. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can 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. To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play. To contact RCMP non-emergency line within any Alberta RCMP jurisdiction call 310-RCMP(7267).

 Background: Cold Lake RCMP requesting public assistance after suspected targeted shooting

Cold Lake, Alta. – On Nov. 8, 2025, at approximately 12:30 a.m., Cold Lake RCMP received a report from EMS that they were on scene at the corner of 51 street and 51 avenue with two gunshot wound victims, one a 20-year old female, the other a 36-year-old male, both of which are expected to survive their injuries. Further investigation revealed a suspect vehicle, a 2001 Toyota Tundra, which matches a vehicle that was found burned near the corner of 54 ave and 61 street.

Cold Lake RCMP is requesting assistance from the public in this investigation. Anyone with video surveillance footage, be it dashcam or otherwise, of the areas of 61 street and 54 ave, or of 51 street and 51 ave, between the times of 12 a.m. and 1:30 a.m., on Nov. 8, 2025, is asked to review their footage and submit anything of interest.