THUNDERCHILD FIRST NATION — Turtleford RCMP used a remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS), otherwise known as drone, to locate and arrest a wanted individual in the forest.
On Feb. 14 at around 9 p.m., Turtleford RCMP were conducting routine patrols when they located a vehicle at a residence on Thunderchild First Nation linked to a wanted man.
Officers approached the vehicle, found the wanted male inside and attempted to arrest him. He fled into the woods. An RCMP drone was used to search the woods for the man. He was located shortly after in a tree he had climbed. Officers assisted the individual in descending the tree, where he was arrested.
“The use of remotely piloted aircraft systems has become an invaluable asset in modern policing,” said Cpl. Trevor Reimer of St. Walburg RCMP in the release. “A birds-eye perspective and advanced night-vision capabilities dramatically improve the ability to locate individuals quickly and safely.”
As a result of the investigation, a 34-year-old man from Glaslyn is charged with one count of failing to comply with a release order; and one count of failing to comply with a probation order.
The accused was also arrested on warrants for possession of property obtained by crime, flight from a peace officer and resisting/obstructing a peace officer. He was scheduled to appear in St. Walburg Provincial Court on Feb. 17. No further information was available.
