Heavy police presence reported in Brooks on Tuesday morning

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on March 26, 2025.

Tuesday morning at approximately 10 a.m., Brooks RCMP advised the public of a heavy police presence in the area of First Street E., and asked residents to avoid posting the actions of police on social media.

Approximately an hour later police reported they had cleared the scene and said there is no ongoing risk to the public.

At the time of publication no further details had been released.

Assault with weapon

An unlicensed mechanic from Brooks has been charged with a pair of offences after pulling a apparent handgun on a client following a dispute last Friday.

Police have arrested and charged 58-year-old Jean-Francois St-Onge with assault with a weapon and possession of a weapon for dangerous purposes after an argument broke out between the victim and St-Onge after the work was taking longer than originally quoted.

Police say during the argument, St-Onge produced a handgun.

Following the arrest, officers executed a search warrant on the property and located a black airsoft handgun and .22LR ammunition.

St-Onge has been brought before a Justice of the Peace and released with a court date on April 16.