UPDATE: As of August 7, 2019, Stephens was sentenced to 36 months in jail less 27 months credit leaving nine months remaining for theft under $5,000 and possession of a prohibited firearm. He was also given a 10-year firearms ban. All the other charges were withdrawn.

One person is in custody after RCMP say they responded to reports of a man with weapon on Highway 40. Around 4:00 a.m. Friday RCMP tried to pull the truck they believed to be involved over but lost the vehicle due to weather and poor roads. When the truck was located a short time later the suspect fled the vehicle and allegedly pointed his weapon at police. He was arrested after RCMP say he ran into a nearby “oil field lease”.

40 year-old Cory Stephens of Hythe is facing a total of 51 charges including use of a firearm while committing an offence, possession of a firearm contrary to a prohibition order and possession of property obtained by crime. Stephens is scheduled to appear in court February 14, 2018.

So far RCMP have provided no information regarding any connections between this incident and previous reports of shootings on Highway 40. Calls to our newsroom Friday indicated about dozen cop cars were on scene just south of Grande Prairie near Wapiti hill.

RCMP ask anyone with information to contact the detachment or Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous.