RCMP traffic stop busts pair on more than 50 charges

PHOTO. Wood Buffalo RCMP charged two people after police seized firearms, ammunition, suspected drugs, and cash during a traffic stop. Supplied by Wood Buffalo RCMP.

34-year-old Steven Whitehead and 30-year-old Shannon O’Keefe face numerous gun and drug-related charges.

Wood Buffalo RCMP arrested the pair following a traffic stop in late August.

Police seized firearms, ammunition, drugs, and over $2000 cash.

Whitehead and O’Keefe are to appear in court next week, charged with over 50 offences.

Traffic stop

On Aug. 21, 2019, at 4:45 p.m. Wood Buffalo RCMP conducted a traffic stop.

Police arrested Whitehead and O’Keefe when they seized two firearms, two magazines, and various stocks of ammunition.

They also seized suspected methamphetamine, drug trafficking paraphernalia, and $2,340 in cash.

RCMP charged Steven Whitehead with 36 offences:

• 11 counts of weapons possession contrary to an order
• Five counts each of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and operation while prohibited
• Four counts each of unauthorized possession of a firearm and careless use of a firearm
• Three counts of possession of a firearm, weapon, device, or ammunition in a motor vehicle
• Trafficking of suspected methamphetamine
• Possession of property obtained by crime less than $5,000
• Resisting or obstructing a Peace officer.

Meanwhile, police levied Shannon O’Keefe with 20 charges:

• Five counts each of unauthorized possession of a firearm, and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
• Four counts each of possession of a firearm at an unauthorized place, and careless use of a firearm
• Trafficking of suspected methamphetamine
• Possession of a restricted firearm with ammunition without a licence

In total, Wood Buffalo RCMP arrested Whitehead and O’Keefe on 56 charges.

Police remanded Whitehead into custody but released O’Keefe on bail.

Whitehead will appear in Provincial Court on Sept. 9, 2019, while O’Keefe is due on Sept. 10, 2019.