ESTEVAN, Sask. -— Targeted traffic stops in Estevan resulted in the arrest of a suspected impaired driver.
According to the Sept. 18 report from the Estevan Police Service, members checked 310 vehicles throughout the city as part of a community engagement and visibility initiative.
As a result of this work, the EPS said an officer located a motorist who showed signs of impairment and subsequently performed poorly on standardized field sobriety tests. The motorist was issued a driver's licence suspension and impaired driving charges are pending analysis of blood samples obtained during the investigation.
Members also conducted foot patrols during the Terri Clark concert at Affinity Place.
In other recent police news, the EPS said proactive patrols in the east industrial area Sept. 16 identified a trailer that appeared to have been broken into and damaged. EPS members located an Estevan man and woman, both age 40, in the trailer. The EPS said they were subsequently arrested for break and enter and mischief under $5,000. In addition, the man was charged with failing to abide by a probation order. Both were lodged in cells to appear in Weyburn Provincial Court by telephone on Sept. 17.
The EPS attended to an alarm at a downtown business that the EPS said was determined to be related to a failed battery in a smoke alarm, which was taken out of service temporarily. No further police involvement was required.
A report came in of a near-hit collision involving a driver observed to be using their cellular phone. The EPS said the matter remains under investigation.
A complaint of criminal harassment was received during the night shift. The EPS said an investigation is ongoing, pending a statement obtained from the victim.
Police received report Sept. 17 of two suspicious individuals on bicycles in the Trojan area. Members attended the area but the EPS said the subjects were no longer present and patrols were unable to locate them.
An intrusion alarm at the Power Dodge Curling Centre was attended to, and the EPS said it was determined to have been caused by maintenance staff.
A complaint of mischief to city property was received. The EPS said rubber material was thrown on public pickleball courts. The matter remains under investigation and a youth suspect has been identified.
Officers attended to a two-vehicle collision which resulted in both vehicles being towed from scene. The EPS said the responsible driver was issued a ticket under the Traffic Safety Act for proceeding from a stop sign before safe. No injuries were reported.
A report came in of two youth under the age of 12 exposing themselves to motorists and running into a residence in east Estevan. The EPS said members attended the residence and spoke with the youths’ parents about the behaviour.
The EPS received a report of a domestic disturbance in which one of the parties assaulted another. According to the EPS, an investigation confirmed an assault had taken place and alcohol was a factor. As a result, a 48-year-old Estevan woman was arrested and lodged in cells until sober.
A well-being check was conducted on a woman in the Pleasantdale area. The EPS said members located the individual and spoke with her at length. She was determined to be safe and well, and she declined further services.
An intrusion alarm in the east industrial area was investigated and determined to have been caused by a new employee entering the building.
A mischief was reported during the Sept. 18 day shift. Two windows were broken out of a parked vehicle and damage was done to the ignition, the EPS said. The matter remains under investigation.
Police responded to several calls at local bars, including an intoxicated woman attempting to enter without identification and a fight outside the bar. One woman involved in the fight was found to have an outstanding warrant from the Saskatoon Police Service for an assault with a weapon. She was arrested and lodged in cells.
Curfew checks were conducted on two individuals. The EPS said one was arrested for breaching conditions and remanded for court due to having 12 outstanding breach charges.
EPS members arrested four people following a traffic stop and a police service dog search of the vehicle. During the search, the EPS said approximately 65 pills were seized. Two of those arrested were also found to be breaching existing court-ordered conditions. The investigation is ongoing and samples of the pills seized will be submitted for laboratory testing.
A report of a grandparent scam was received in which the caller claimed to be the person’s grandson and in need of money. The EPS said no personal information was provided and no money was lost in this attempt. EPS would like to remind the public to be cautious when speaking with callers, not to give out private information and to confirm the identity of the individuals on the other end of the line.
The EPS received a report Sept. 19 of clothing being stolen from a laundromat. The victim had surveillance footage showing an individual taking a laundry basket containing freshly-washed clothes. The EPS said the suspect was identified through this video and members located him and the stolen items at his residence. The suspect stated the basket had been taken by mistake and the clothing was returned to its owner.
Police attended a residence following a report of a physical altercation between family members. The EPS said the parties agreed to separate for the night, with additional follow-up required and statements to be obtained.
EPS members conducted a well-being check at a local hotel involving an individual who was separating from their partner and expressed concerns for their safety. The EPS said the investigation confirmed the former spouse was not present at the hotel and the complainant was provided guidance on how to remain safe and advised to contact police if they believed the individual was nearby.
Police attended a residence following a domestic dispute involving a couple who was separating. The EPS said one party advised that they were trying to maintain sobriety and believed that the relationship was negatively affecting their recovery. A friend agreed to provide a safe place for the individual to stay for the night, and police provided transportation to that residence with no further issues.
Police received a reported theft from a vehicle that had been parked at a local hotel. One of the vehicle’s windows had been broken out during the theft, the EPS said. A bag of tools was stolen and the matter remains under investigation.
A report came in of an abandoned vehicle located in north Estevan. The EPS said the registered owner was contacted and advised that the vehicle had experienced mechanical issues and left on the shoulder to be recovered later. When the owner of the vehicle attended to retrieve it, he found that a side window had been broken out of the vehicle. The mischief remains under investigation.
A youth was located at her residence Sept. 20 and arrested for breaching court-ordered conditions by having contact with a co-accused person in a criminal investigation. She was lodged in cells and appeared in Estevan Youth Court on Sept. 21 to speak to this and multiple other breach charges.
A report of a possible impaired driver was investigated by EPS members during the night shift. The EPS said an out-of-province licence plate was provided by the complainant but the registered owner could not be identified. The vehicle was not located during patrols following the complaint.
