July 21, 2020
Île-à-la Crosse, Saskatchewan
Additional victims have come forward to police in response to the arrest of 42-year-old Aaron Gardiner and his remand in custody following the incident of unlawful confinement in Ile a la Crosse, SK. This new information spurred new investigations.
As a result of these investigations, Gardiner is facing additional charges, which span multiple incidents and victims:
- Four counts of Sexual Assault, Sec. 271 of the Criminal Code,
- Three counts of Forcible Confinement, Sec. 279(2), of the Criminal Code,
- Uttering Threats, Sec. 264.1(1) of the Criminal Code,
- Assault, Sec. 266 of the Criminal Code,
- Reckless Discharge of a Firearm, Sec. 244.2(1)(a) of the Criminal Code,
- Use Firearm in Commission of an Offence, Sec. 85(1) of the Criminal Code,
- Obstruction, Sec. 129 of the Criminal Code; and
- Breach Undertaking, Sec. 145 of the Criminal Code.
Gardiner is scheduled to make his next court appearance will be on 2020/08/13 in Meadow Lake Provincial Court. Anyone with additional information to report to police are encouraged to contact Ile a la Crosse RCMP by calling 306-833-6300 or the Prince Albert General Investigation Section at 306-765-2105. Information can also by submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or submitting a tip online at www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
The investigation is ongoing.
–30–
UPDATE: Charges laid in relation to unlawful confinement investigation
2020-04-27
Aaron Gardiner, of Ile a la Crosse, SK, has been charged with the following offences in relation to this incident:
•Unlawful Confinement, Sec. 279(2) of the Criminal Code;
•Assault, Sec. 266 of the Criminal Code;
•Overcoming Resistance, Sec. 246 of the Criminal Code;
•Utter Threats, Sec. 264.1(1) of the Criminal Code;
•Resist Arrest, Sec. 129 of the Criminal Code;
•Posses a Firearm for a Dangerous Purpose, Sec. 88 of the Criminal Code;
•Use of a Firearm in Commission of an Indictable Offence, Sec. 85(1) of the Criminal Code;
•Proceeds of Crime, Sec. 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code; and
•Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Sec. 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
Gardiner has been remanded to Meadow Lake court via CCTV on Monday, April 27, 2020.
The investigation is ongoing.
-30-
Ile a la Crosse RCMP investigate incident of unlawful confinement near Isle a La Crosse Lake, SK
2020-04-24
On April 23, 2020, shortly after 6 p.m., Île-à-la-Crosse RCMP received a report of a female youth being held against her will for the past four days in a cabin across Île-à-la-Crosse Lake, approximately 10 km from the the village of Île-à-la-Crosse.
Initial report revealed the adult male responsible for the confinement had temporarily left the cabin to an unknown destination. Île-à-la-Crosse RCMP made several patrols in the village of Île-à-la-Crosse in an attempt to locate the male. Officers also began to strategize the safest approach to travel across the lake to the secluded cabin.
Officers determined the only way to access the cabin would be by air since the Île-à-la-Crosse Lake was covered in water and slush. The Canadian Armed Forces and the Saskatchewan Emergency Response Team (ERT) were called to assist.
In the early morning of April 24, 2020, two CH-146 Griffon helicopters from the Canadian Armed Forces transported the ERT across the lake and landed next to the cabin. Police were able to secure the location and safely remove the youth from the cabin. The youth had minor bruising and was safely transported back by helicopter to Île-à-la-Crosse.
The adult male attempted to flee from the cabin after seeing police on scene. Once confronted by police, he resisted arrest. A Conducted Energy Weapon (CEW) was deployed. He was arrested and taken into custody. The male received medical treatment by EMS for what were reported to be minor injuries, after being transported to Île-à-la-Crosse.
Firearms, and drugs were located in the cabin and seized.
The female youth has since returned to the care of her family.
The investigation into this incident is ongoing.
-30-
