LLOYDMINSTER — A 44-year-old man who was the subject of a multi-agency police manhunt following a high-speed pursuit last month has been released from custody.
Aaron Chief, of Onion Lake, was released on conditions after appearing in Lloydminster Provincial Court on June 10.
Chief had been wanted by RCMP since May 17 when officers tried to pull over a speeding vehicle near Onion Lake. According to police, Onion Lake RCMP observed the vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed at about 5:10 p.m. that day. When officers activated their emergency equipment, the driver refused to stop.
The vehicle eventually came to a stop near Frenchman Butte, and two occupants fled on foot. Two others remained inside and were arrested at the scene. Police say a search of the vehicle uncovered a loaded firearm.
Chief remained at large until his recent arrest. A warrant had been issued on several charges, including flight from police, dangerous driving, resisting/obstructing a peace officer, possession of a restricted firearm with ammunition without a licence, unsafe storage of a firearm in a vehicle, and possession of a prohibited weapon knowing its possession was unauthorized.
Chief was also charged with possession of a firearm contrary to a court order. In 2022, when he was sentenced on drug trafficking charges, he was given a 10-year firearms prohibition and ordered to provide his DNA.
