STURGEON LAKE FIRST NATION – Saskatchewan RCMP located robbery suspects who tried to flee by vehicle, on foot – and by swimming.
Saskatchewan RCMP located and arrested three suspects, who fled from police multiple times after a robbery.
On Aug. 4 at approximately 4:30 p.m., Prince Albert RCMP received a report of a robbery on Sturgeon Lake First Nation.
The investigation determined a male approached two individuals, threatened them with a firearm and stole their truck. The victims did not report physical injuries to police.
Officers began patrolling for the suspect and located the stolen truck on Highway 355. They attempted a traffic stop. The stolen truck did not stop and continued on at a high rate of speed into oncoming traffic, forcing other motorists – including responding police officers – to take evasive action to avoid collisions.
Officers set up a tire deflation device, which the stolen truck drove over. It continued on for several minutes, despite having damaged tires, until it came to a stop on Sturgeon Lake Road.
The male driver, who was holding a firearm, ran. He discharged the firearm into the air as he fled.
There were two female passengers in the stolen truck. One of them got into the driver’s seat and attempted fleeing. The truck came to a stop at a nearby beach. The females attempted to flee by swimming away from police. The officers got in the water and arrested them.
Saskatchewan RCMP’s Critical Incident Response Team, Police Dog Services and Remotely Piloted Aircraft System were engaged to contain the area and help search for the male.
He was located hiding in a swamp. A sawed-off firearm was also located and seized nearby.
As a result of the continued investigation, a 21-year-old man, from Sturgeon Lake First Nation, is charged with:
– one count, robbery;
– one count, pointing a firearm;
– two counts, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose;
– one count, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle;
– one count, flight from peace officer;
– one count, resist peace officer;
– one count, failure to stop after an accident;
– one count, possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle;
– one count, unauthorized possession of a firearm,
– one count, unsafe storage of a firearm;
– one count, carrying a concealed weapon;
– one count, possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized;
– one count, possession of a prohibited weapon with ammunition without licence/registration; and
– six counts, weapons possession contrary to order.
He was also arrested on a warrant from Prince Albert RCMP.
A 29-year-old woman, from Prince Albert, and a 21-year-old woman, from Saskatoon, are each charged with:
– one count, robbery;
– one count, resist peace officer.
– one count, possession of a prohibited weapon with ammunition without licence/registration; and
– one count, possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle;
– one count, unauthorized possession of a firearm,
– two counts, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
The 29-year-old woman is also charged with:
– one count, fail to comply with undertaking; and
– one count, flight from peace officer.
She was also arrested on a warrant from Prince Albert RCMP.
All three accused are scheduled to appear in Prince Albert Provincial Court on Aug. 6.
Saskatchewan RCMP’s Warrant Enforcement and Suppression Team and Crime Reduction Team assisted with this investigation. Saskatchewan RCMP thanks the Ministry of Public Safety’s Provincial Protective Services; conservation officers also provided assistance during this investigation.
