On August 8, 2023, at approximately 10:55 p.m., Melfort RCMP received the report of an assault and uttering threats on James Smith Cree Nation. A female victim sustained what were reported as serious, but non-life-threatening injuries. The victim did not require immediate medical attention.
Initial investigation determined the suspect was an adult male.
Melfort RCMP responded and conducted proactive patrols throughout James Smith Cree Nation and surrounding communities, and followed-up on information provided to them. Additional Saskatchewan RCMP resources including officers from the Tisdale and Prince Albert detachments were called to assist with search efforts.
At approximately 12:15 a.m. on August 9, 2023, Prince Albert RCMP located the male suspect inside a vehicle approximately 1 km west of Muskoday on Highway 3 toward Prince Albert. The male was arrested and transported to hospital in Melfort for medical treatment, unrelated to the arrest. He was cleared for incarceration shortly afterward and held until his first court appearance in the morning.
As a result of this investigation, 35-year-old Kelly Shane Burns of James Smith Cree Nation, has been charged with the following:
- Assault, contrary to Sec. 266 of the Criminal Code; and
- Failure to Comply with Appearance Notice, contrary to Sec. 145(5)(a) of the Criminal Code.
Kelly Shane Burns made his first court appearance on August 9, 2023, via phone court in Nipawin and remanded until August 15, 2023.
Melfort RCMP thanks the James Smith Cree Nation security for their assistance in this investigation and continued partnership.