Please note all information below occurred within the time period above, unless otherwise noted.
Saskatchewan RCMP - Your Provincial Police Service
This December, the Saskatchewan RCMP has been participating in a number of initiatives to give back to our communities. Here are just a few of them:
Hudson Bay Fill the Cruiser Campaign: At the end of November, Hudson Bay RCMP joined the Hudson Bay Family & Support Centre and the Red Apple as they collectively took part in an annual 'Fill the Cruiser' campaign. Officers helped gather toys and monetary donations for the Hudson Bay Family & Support Centre.
The Hudson Bay Family & Support Centre took to Facebook and expressed their gratitude for the support from the Hudson Bay RCMP and community partners this holiday season.
Kindersley Cram the Cruiser Event: On December 12, Kindersley RCMP partnered with the Kindersley Co-op and hosted their Third Annual Cram the Cruiser event.
Officers stood outside the Kindersley Co-op and assisted community members as they bought bags of food to donate, filling the box of an RCMP truck. Kindersley RCMP, with the assistance of Kindersley Co-op and the generosity of the community, helped generate $376 in cash donations and 318 bags of food to be donated to the Kindersley Food Bank.
Yorkton Toy Drive: On December 2, Yorkton RCMP held their Third Annual Toy Drive for Kids. Officers were located at a Yorkton Wal-Mart and were collecting toy and cash donations for the Yorkton Salvation Army.
Yorkton RCMP, with the help of the generous citizens of Yorkton, were able to fill the backseat of a police truck to the roof with toys, and $1378.52 in cash donations was collected.
Assiniboia Community Decorate the Detachment: On December 10, Assiniboia RCMP held a Decorate the Detachment event, welcoming Assiniboia residents to join them in preparing for the holiday season. Assiniboia residents of all ages attended the event, and even a few fur friends came to help.
The officers provided the community members with hot chocolate, apple cider, and cookies while they worked together to spread holiday fun throughout the community.
Battlefords Food Drive: On December 9 from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Battleford RCMP worked alongside local partners Walmart, Co-op, and Sobeys to raise money for the Battleford District Food & Resource Centre.
Officers were stationed outside each partnering business collecting food, toys, and cash donations. Local business, Four-K Auto, joined the festivities, charitably donating snacks and drinks to the officers collecting the food items.
Battlefords RCMP estimate over 15,000 pounds of food was collected, as well as over $1300 in cash.
Eston Christmas Parade: During the evening of December 13, Eston Detachment participated in the Eston Christmas parade.
Officers decorated a police cruiser with lights and holiday inflatables and led the parade through town. Eston RCMP have participated in this event for several years, helping spread some cheer during the holiday season.
Investigative Recap
December 10: The La Ronge Crime Reduction Team (CRT) executed a search warrant at a residence in the La Ronge area as part of a drug trafficking investigation.
Officers located and seized approximately 23 grams of cocaine, approximately 0.5 grams of methamphetamine, a sum of cash, two BB handguns, and other drug paraphernalia.
The BB guns seized were an imitation of semi automatic pistols, making it impossible for citizens and police to distinguish the difference between the two types of guns from afar.
An adult female was arrested at the scene.
36-year-old Ernestine Roberts from La Ronge is charged with:
- one count, possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine, Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;
- one count, possession of the proceeds of crime under $5000, Section 354(1)(a), Criminal Code; and
- one count, possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose, Section 88(2), Criminal Code.
She is scheduled to appear in La Ronge Provincial Court on February 26, 2024.
La Ronge RCMP and La Ronge General Investigation Section (GIS) assisted in this investigation.
December 11: Saskatchewan RCMP's Warrant Enforcement and Suppression Team (WEST) located and arrested Shandon Chief at a residence in Loon Lake. Shandon Chief was wanted by the Correctional Service of Canada for breaching parole on a manslaughter charge laid in relation to the 2018 death of a 32-year-old female on Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation.
Shandon Chief was transported to the Prince Albert Penitentiary.
Loon Lake RCMP assisted with this arrest.
December 11: Saskatchewan RCMP's Warrant Enforcement and Suppression Team (WEST) received information that a male wanted on a Canada wide warrant by a Quebec police force may be in Saskatchewan. 30-year-old Yannick Tremblay was wanted on charges including fraud over $5000.
WEST located Yannick Tremblay parked in a rented moving van in Saskatoon that was reported stolen from Alberta. He was arrested with the assistance of Saskatoon Police Service. Yannick Tremblay appeared in Saskatoon Provincial Court on December 28.
Saskatoon Police Service is investigating the circumstances of the stolen moving van.
December 12: Saskatchewan RCMP: naloxone-resistant fentanyl circulating in southern Saskatchewan
December 13: Fort Qu'Appelle RCMP investigating fatal collision
December 13: Saskatchewan RCMP's Battlefords detachment and North Battleford Crime Reduction Team observed a speeding vehicle driving on Mosquito, Grizzly Bear's Head, Lean Man First Nation and performed a traffic stop. The officers observed and seized a loaded and modified semi-automatic firearm with a high capacity magazine from the back of the car.
There were three occupants in the vehicle. The two passengers were arrested without incident. The driver initially resisted but was also taken into custody.
35-year-old Perry Wuttunee from Red Pheasant First Nation is charged with 15 offences including two counts of assaulting a peace officer, Section 270(1)(b), resisting arrest, Section 129(a), Criminal Code and firearms-related charge.
22-year-old Darian Whitford from Red Pheasant First Nation is charged with nine-firearms related charges. 31-year-old Tyrone Paskimin from Red Pheasant First Nation are charged with 10 firearms-related charges.
They appeared in North Battleford Provincial Court on December 15, 2023.
December 13: Officers from Battlefords RCMP Gang Task Force were on patrol and observed a wanted male walking in North Battleford. The officers walked up to him and told him he was under arrest. He fled on foot. Officers caught up to the male, who pulled out a concealed firearm, then fled again. While fleeing, he dropped the firearm, which officers seized.
Officers continued searching for the male. They observed him walking in North Battleford on December 15. Upon seeing the officers, the male ran into a nearby residence on 105th Street.
Officers located and arrested the male, with the assistance of the Saskatchewan RCMP Critical Incident Response Team. Officers located ammunition in his possession during his arrest. An additional adult male and a female youth, who initially provided a false name to police, were also arrested.
24-year-old Conner Dreaver from North Battleford is charged with:
- two counts, resist peace officer, Section 129(a), Criminal Code;
- two counts, weapons possession contrary to order, Section 117.01(3), Criminal Code;
- one count, possession of a prohibited weapon, Section 92(2), Criminal Code;
- one count, carry concealed weapon, Section 90(2), Criminal Code;
- one count, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. Section 88(2), Criminal Code;
- one count, carry a firearm in a careless manner, Section 86(1), Criminal Code; and
- one count, unlicensed possession of a prohibited device, Section 91(3), Criminal Code.
He was also arrested for breaching a conditional sentence order.
18-year-old Brandon Bear from Maidstone is charged with one count, fail to comply with release order condition, Section 145(5)(a), Criminal Code.
A female youth was charged with one count, fail to comply with release order condition, Section 145(5)(a), Criminal Code and one count, identity fraud, Section 403, Criminal Code.
They are scheduled to appear in North Battleford Provincial Court on December 18, 2023.
December 13: Kindersley RCMP: Charges laid following impaired operation of vehicle causing injury
December 13: Saskatchewan RCMP's North Battleford Crime Reduction Team (CRT) continued to investigate after seizing illicit drugs and firearms during a December 9 traffic stop outside of North Battleford and related search warrant executed at a residence on Little Pine First Nation. Details were included in our last weekly report.
As a result of continued investigation, 45-year-old Steven Nighttraveller from Little Pine First Nation is also charged with:
- one count, unsafe storage of a firearm, Section 86(2), Criminal Code;
- one count, possession of firearm knowing it is unauthorized, Section 92(1), Criminal Code; and
- one count, possession of a prohibited weapon knowing possession it is unauthorized, Section 92(2), Criminal Code.
He appeared in North Battleford Provincial Court on December 13, 2023.
December 14: 'Tis the season of parcel deliveries – Saskatchewan RCMP reminds residents to keep them safe
December 14: Spiritwood RCMP: suspect in custody after serious assault
December 15: Wadena RCMP seeks information about thefts from food bank, curling rink and funeral home
December 15: Male charged in relation to shooting in Pelican Narrows
Moose Jaw RCMP seeks public assistance in fuel theft investigation
On December 5, 2023, Moose Jaw RCMP received a report of an attempted theft at a business in Brownlee, SK. Investigation determined a male suspect drove up to the business at approximately 10:20 a.m. that morning and attempted to steal fuel from a pump, but was unsuccessful.
The male is described as a young adult and was wearing a bright blue Under Armor hoodie. The vehicle is described as a beige or tan older-style sedan.
On December 6, 2023, Moose Jaw RCMP received two additional reports of fuel thefts. Investigation determined at approximately 2 a.m. and 7 a.m. that morning, individuals drove onto a property in the RM of Marquis near Brownlee, SK in a grey minivan with a loud muffler, and twice stole an unknown quantity of fuel. It's believed that two male suspects were present during the second theft.
Moose Jaw RCMP are actively investigating these incidents, including determining any potential connection between them, as well as other property crime reported in that time range.
If you recognize the vehicle or suspect, or have any information about these incidents, contact your local police of jurisdiction. Dial 310-RCMP to reach your local RCMP detachment. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
Lanigan CTSS: driving after using cannabis is a continuing concern
Beginning December 1, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. to December 2 at 4:00 a.m., Lanigan Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan (CTSS) ran an impaired driving blitz, taking part in the National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day Initiative.
The project focused on impaired driving enforcement in the detachment areas of Humboldt, Lanigan, Wynyard, Wadena, Rose Valley, and Punnichy. Saskatchewan RCMP officers from Lanigan, Saskatoon, and North Battleford detachments participated in the driving blitz.
Officers stopped approximately 445 vehicles. Below are the results from the impaired driving blitz:
- 22 license suspicions for testing Positive for THC (on an approved screening device)
- 3 Criminal Code impaired charges
- 3 license suspensions for testing between .04 and .08 BAC
- 97 tickets issues
- 228 warning issues
Officers also executed a search warrant and seized approximately 120 grams of cannabis, edibles and other drug paraphernalia from a vehicle.
Lanigan CTSS report that driving after using cannabis is a continuing concern.
Officers remind the public that in Saskatchewan, your license can be suspended for three days if an officer determines you have recently used cannabis before driving. You can also be charged under the Criminal Code if driving while impaired by cannabis.
If you – or guests – will be consuming products which result in impairment, such as alcohol or cannabis, have a designated driver assigned or plan to take a cab or transit. If no safe ride is available, stay the night and drive only when sober. Don't take a chance. If you question whether you're "too impaired to drive or not", you likely are.