BATTLEFORDS — Battlefords RCMP arrested two males wanted on warrant after a vehicle theft with a firearm Thursday.
On April 2, at approximately 3 a.m., Battlefords RCMP received a report of a theft with a firearm which occurred just outside of North Battleford. Police say that when a man driving a truck offered a ride to two men walking on the side of the road, they pointed a firearm at him, threatened him, and drove off in his truck.
Police say the victim was able to flee from the truck before the suspects drove off southbound on Highway 4. The firearm was discharged, but no injuries were reported to police.
Battlefords RCMP located the suspects and truck, still driving on Highway 4. Officers activated their vehicle’s emergency equipment and initiated a traffic stop. The truck did not stop for police. Officers set up a tire deflation device, which the truck struck. Police say the suspects abandoned the truck on Red Pheasant Cree Nation and fled on foot. With assistance from Battlefords RCMP Police Dog Services, officers located and arrested the two suspects shortly after 3:30 a.m. on Red Pheasant Cree Nation. Officers recovered a shotgun from the scene.
No injuries were reported to police.
As a result of continued investigation, 29-year-old Austin Crevier from Edmonton, Alta is charged with:
- one count, robbery with firearm;
- one count, using firearm while committing offence;
- one count, unauthorized possession of a firearm;
- one count, possession of a prohibited weapon when knowing possession unauthorized;
- one count, flight from police officer;
- one count, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle;
- one count, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose;
- one count, discharge firearm while being reckless;
- one count, fail to comply;
- one count, carrying a concealed weapon;
- 12 counts, weapons possession contrary to order;
- one count, resist/obstruct police officer; and
- two counts, uttering threats to property/animals.
Crevier was also wanted on warrant by Elk Point RCMP in Alberta for multiple charges, including firearms offences.
31-year-old Bobby Lacombe from Fishing Lake First Nation, Saskatchewan is charged with:
- one count, resist/obstruct police officer;
- one count, robbery with firearm;
- one count, using firearm while committing offence;
- one count, unauthorized possession of a firearm;
- one count, possession of a prohibited weapon when knowing possession unauthorized; and
- 10 counts, weapons possession contrary to order.
Lacombe was also wanted on warrant by Elk Point RCMP in Alberta for multiple charges, including firearms offences. He is also wanted on a Canada-wide parole warrant.
Both men are scheduled to appear in North Battleford Provincial Court on April 6.
"We are grateful this dangerous situation was concluded safely with no injuries reported to police," says S/Sgt. Bryce Pender with Battlefords RCMP Detachment. "Due to the prompt and proactive response by officers, the matter was resolved quickly, resulting in the successful arrest of two individuals wanted on outstanding warrants.”
