NORTH BATTLEFORD — A ringing phone helped Battlefords RCMP dial in on a robbery suspect.
On March 7 at around 7:30 a.m., Battlefords RCMP received a report of a robbery at a business on the Highway 16 Bypass in North Battleford.
The investigation determined a male threatened an individual with a firearm and demanded their cellphone and wallet. No physical injuries were reported to police.
Officers used a GPS service and determined the stolen phone was just outside the business. They went outside, dialled the stolen phone’s number and heard it ringing. They arrested the man who was in possession of the phone.
Officers then searched a room in the business and located and seized a sawed-off firearm, ammunition and a baton.
As a result of the investigation, a 23-year-old man from North Battleford is charged with:
- one count of possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000;
- one count of unauthorized possession of a firearm;
- one count of careless use of a firearm;
- one count of possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized;
- one count of armed robbery;
- one count of break and enter with intent;
- one count of pointing a firearm;
- one count of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose; and
- three counts of firearms possession contrary to an order.
The accused appeared in North Battleford Provincial Court March 9.
Battlefords RCMP continue to investigate.
