Five people have been arrested following what the Lethbridge Police Service described as a "high-risk incident." (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Five in Lethbridge charged following weapons incident

Nov 15, 2024 | 9:26 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) has laid charges against a group of people after what it called a “high-risk incident.”

Officers were called to a motel room on the 1000 block of Mayor Magrath Drive South at approximately 4:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 14, 2024.

They had been informed that two women, who were wanted on warrants, were inside a room and potentially had weapons.

Upon the arrival of police, they say two men exited the motel room and entered a parked vehicle.

The two men allegedly fled from police and the officers claim one of the men had a loaded shotgun in the vehicle.

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: February 10-16, 2025

Feb 10, 2025

One suspect, who was wearing a mask, reportedly had a lighter that resembled a handgun. He was hit with sock rounds and a taser and was taken into custody.

The second man was arrested without incident.

LPS says in a media release, “Following loud hails directing additional occupants to exit the room, two females and a male surrendered to police and were taken into custody without incident.”

The remaining two occupants in the motel room reportedly refused to leave. Following a short standoff with police, two women exited and were taken into custody.

Police searched the room and claimed to have seized ammo, cell phones, a knife, and small quantities of methamphetamine.

Joel Robert Dragland, 35, of Lethbridge, is charged with disguised with intent, careless use/storage of a firearm, knowingly possessing an unauthorized firearm, unauthorized possession of a firearm in a vehicle, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public, possession of a firearm when prohibited, failure to comply with probation order, failure to comply with a release order and resisting arrest.

Kyle Dwight Miller, 34, of Lethbridge, is charged with disguised with intent, careless use/storage of a firearm, knowingly possessing an unauthorized firearm, unauthorized possession of a firearm in a vehicle, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public and resisting arrest.

Layla Grace Whelan, 36, of Lethbridge, who was the subject of a wanted person news release earlier this week, is charged with resisting arrest and two counts of failing to comply with a release order.

Rikki Marie Peters, 30, of Lethbridge, is charged with resisting arrest.

Crystal Dawn Marie Quinton, 35, of Lethbridge, is charged with failing to comply with a release order.

The accused all remain in custody and are awaiting bail hearings. The remaining suspects were released without charges.

READ MORE: Lethbridge Police investigating ‘high-risk’ incident

—

If you have a news tip, question or concern, please email Lethbridge.newsroom@Pattisonmedia.com.

For local news delivered daily to your email inbox, subscribe for free to the Lethbridge News Now newsletter here. You can also download the Lethbridge News Now mobile app in the Google Play and the Apple App Stores.