BIG RIVER FIRST NATION, Sask. — Big River RCMP arrested four men after police say they fled from police following a firearm discharge on Big River First Nation.
On Sept. 26, at approximately 3 p.m., Big River RCMP received a report of a firearm discharge on Big River First Nation.
Their investigation determined several individuals discharged a firearm in the direction of a vehicle parked at a residential property. The suspects were believed to be inside of a vehicle at the time of the firearm discharge. The parked vehicle did not receive any damage, and no injuries were reported to police in relation to the firearm being discharged.
Saskatchewan RCMP’s Meadow Lake Crime Reduction Team (CRT) and Meadow Lake and Prince Albert Police Dog Services (PDS) were engaged to assist in the search for the suspects.
A short time later, the vehicle and suspects were located in a parking lot in Debden. Officers activated their vehicle’s emergency equipment and initiated a traffic stop. The vehicle did not stop and fled from police. The vehicle fled north on Highway 55 before entering the ditch. Three of the four occupants fled on foot. The fourth individual did not flee and was arrested without incident.
The police dog tracked the suspects and led officers to locate and arrest the three men.
During a search of the vehicle, officers located and seized two firearms and ammunition. One of the seized firearms was loaded.
A 39-year-old Big River First Nation is charged with:
- two counts, fail to comply with release order condition;
- one count, flight from peace officer;
- one count, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle;
- one count, operation while prohibited;
- two counts, weapons possession contrary to order and fail to surrender authorization;
- three counts, possession of a firearm when knowing possession is unauthorized;
- two counts, unsafe storage of a firearm; and
- one count, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
A 38-year-old man from Big River First Nation, a 36-year-old man from Big River First Nation, and a 34-year-old man from Debden are all charged with:
- two counts, unsafe storage of a firearm;
- two counts, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose; and
- two counts, unauthorized possession of a non-restricted firearm;
Three are scheduled to appear in Prince Albert Provincial Court on Oct. 1. The fourth is scheduled to appear in court in Whitefish on Nov. 10.
Big River RCMP say they continue to investigate.
