UPDATE Jan 15, 2025:
Leron John has been arrested in Northwest Territories. The EPS is working with its counterparts there to execute John's warrants in relation to the Aug. 21, 2023 WEM shooting. The EPS would like to thank the BOLO program, the media and the public for distributing his image and description.
On Aug. 21 2023, at approximately 7:40 p.m., police responded to the report of an exchange of gunfire in a parkade at West Edmonton Mall. Four males reportedly exited the mall and were approached in the parkade by a second group of suspects in a white SUV, and an exchange of gunfire ensued. Three of the males involved in the altercation were struck, and were ultimately located and taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Police later recovered a handgun inside the mall. The shooting is believed to be targeted.
After a thorough investigation, the EPS Firearms Investigation Unit has secured Canada-wide warrants for Leron Andrew John, 24 for discharging a firearm with intent, reckless discharging of a firearm, possession of a prohibited firearm with ammunition and altering the serial number of a firearm.
[Photo and description of suspect have been removed.]
John has ties to both Edmonton and the Northwest Territories, and he has several additional warrants for his arrest stemming from firearm and drug offences in Fort Resolution, NWT.
On Dec. 4, 2024, BOLO, a federal program that complements police efforts to locate Canada’s most wanted suspects, added John to their 2024 Canada’s 25 Most Wanted list.
“Our Firearms Investigations Unit officers are working with the BOLO program to help locate Leron John for his role in a brazen outdoor shooting that took place at one of the world’s busiest shopping malls during daylight hours,” says S/Sgt Eric Stewart, with the EPS Guns and Gangs Section. “Numerous civilian vehicles were struck, a stray bullet travelled five blocks and struck a parked vehicle in a residential area near playgrounds and a school, and this shooting event was the catalyst for a lockdown event at West Edmonton Mall that caused people to have to shelter in place for hours while a police Tactical Unit cleared the facility.”
John may be armed, is considered dangerous and should not be approached. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.