LLOYDMINSTER — An Onion Lake man who was the subject of a multi-agency police manhunt earlier this year is facing new drug trafficking and weapons charges after RCMP seized methamphetamine, cocaine and a machete during a traffic stop.
Aaron Chief, 44, and Raven Heathen, 35, also from Onion Lake, were arrested after Onion Lake RCMP stopped their vehicle on Chief Taylor Road at about 1:45 a.m. on Aug. 17.
Police said officers determined one of the occupants was breaching court-ordered conditions requiring him to abstain from alcohol and stay at an approved residence between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. An officer also observed open alcohol in the vehicle.
A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately 89 grams of methamphetamine, 45 grams of cocaine, 11 narcotic tablets, drug trafficking paraphernalia, a sum of cash, and a machete.
Chief and Heathen are each charged with four counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
Chief is additionally charged with failing to comply with court-ordered conditions.
In June, Chief was released on conditions after appearing in Lloydminster Provincial Court. He was the subject of a police manhunt following a high-speed pursuit near Onion Lake on May 17, when officers tried to pull over a speeding vehicle near Onion Lake. According to police, Onion Lake RCMP observed the vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed. 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.
Stemming from that incident, Chief faces charges of flight from police, dangerous driving, 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 also faces new charges of possession of a firearm contrary to a court order. In 2022, he was sentenced on drug trafficking charges and given a 10-year firearms prohibition.
