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The victim of a terrifying robbery and shooting near Prince Albert has a long road to recovery, says the man behind an online fundraiser created to support his friend.
More than $100,000 has been raised through a GoFundMe campaign for Orlan Peterson, who last week was shot at a rural construction site north of Prince Albert.
Peterson was working alone at the site around 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 24. According to police, he was shot and his vehicle was stolen. The incident prompted a dangerous persons alert from Prince Albert RCMP.
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Brad Grolla, a friend of Peterson’s family, wrote on the fundraising page that Peterson’s life has changed forever.
“It is unknown at this time how physically incapacitated he will be as a result of the life altering injury,” Grolla wrote.
“Orlan’s mental health will no doubt need much healing from the fear he endured. There will be more surgeries, rehab, physio, medical appointments, etc. in his and his family’s future. It appears Orlan may never work again due to this cowardly random act of violence.”
According to Grolla, Peterson was alone when two unknown vehicles entered the property. Grolla wrote that a masked person approached Peterson and ordered him around at gunpoint while assaulting him with a firearm.
According to Grolla, Peterson’s phone and keys were stolen and he was ordered into a trailer where he was shot and left for dead. He was able to get himself to the road for help, and was eventually flown by STARS Air Ambulance to a Saskatoon hospital for surgery.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the GoFundMe had generated around $103,000. Funds raised will assist with travel expenses, fuel, meals, and lodging. Peterson lives two hours from the specialists who need to monitor him, Grolla said.
Saskatchewan RCMP have arrested two suspects in connection with the incident. Two others remain at large.
Melissa McCallum, 18, of La Ronge and Angus Heathen, 33, of Prince Albert face nine charges each, including aggravated assault, robbery with a firearm, and unlawfully causing bodily harm.
Both suspects made their first court appearance Monday in Melfort. They are scheduled to be in Prince Albert court on Nov. 18.
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