Update: Saskatchewan RCMP’s Warrant Enforcement and Suppression Team (WEST) asks public to report sightings of 31-year-old Craig McDonald

September 26, 2023
Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan

News release

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RCMP Crest

Craig McDonald was arrested on September 22, 2023.

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As part of ongoing enforcement efforts in the Prince Albert area, Saskatchewan RCMP's Warrant Enforcement and Suppression Team (WEST) continued efforts to locate and arrest 31-year-old Craig McDonald.

On September 22, WEST determined McDonald was in a residence on Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation.

Investigators obtained a warrant to enter the residence and arrest McDonald. With the assistance of Saskatchewan RCMP's Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT), officers approached the residence and surrounded it. McDonald exited the residence, holding a loaded firearm. He resisted arrest and officers deployed a conducted energy weapon to bring him into custody safely. Two other individuals were also arrested at the residence.

A search warrant was then executed at the residence. Officers located and seized two additional loaded firearms.

As a result of continued investigation, Craig McDonald is charged with:

  • four count, fail to comply with release order condition, Section 145(5)(a), Criminal Code;
  • two counts, possession of firearm while knowing possession is unauthorized, Section 92(3), Criminal Code;
  • one count, possession of firearm with a tampered serial number, Section 108(2), Criminal Code;
  • four counts, possession of firearm while prohibited, Section 117.01(3), Criminal Code; and
  • one count, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, Section 88(2), Criminal Code.

23-year-old Xavier Smith from Sturgeon Lake is charged with:

  • one count, fail to comply with release order condition, Section 145(5)(a), Criminal Code.

The third individual arrested was released without charge.

Officers and staff from Saskatchewan RCMP's Saskatoon WEST, Ahtahkakoop RCMP, North Battleford Crime Reduction Team (CRT), Montreal Lake CRT and additional Saskatchewan Enforcement Response Team (SERT) support teams assisted in this investigation and subsequent arrest.

"This arrest was a dynamic situation. The fact that no one was injured after a male exited a house holding a loaded firearm speaks to the professionalism and high level of training exhibited by the SERT and CIRT officers," says S/Sgt. Ryan How, SERT's North Region Manager. "Locating this wanted male is a result of the ongoing highly-coordinated effort between SERT, CIRT, Ahtahkakoop RCMP, Prince Albert RCMP, Waskesiu/Montreal Lake RCMP and other supporting units. Residents in the Prince Albert, Waskesiu/Montreal Lake and Ahtahkakoop areas can expect to see an increased police presence as our efforts continue. We're committed to providing more updates on our work in these communities as we are able to."

Background:

The Saskatchewan Enforcement Response Team (SERT) consists of Saskatchewan RCMP's Crime Reduction Team (CRT) and Warrant Enforcement Suppression Team (WEST), as well as the Saskatchewan Trafficking Response Team (STRT). SERT will help the Saskatchewan RCMP continue to fulfil its mandate as the province's police service – keeping our communities safe.

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Backgrounder

Saskatchewan RCMP's Warrant Enforcement and Suppression Team (WEST) asks public to report sightings of 31-year-old Craig McDonald

2023-08-15

Saskatchewan RCMP's Warrant Enforcement and Suppression Team (WEST) and Montreal Lake/Waskesiu RCMP are actively working to locate and arrest 31-year-old Craig McDonald, of Montreal Lake Cree Nation who has an arrest warrant on the following charge:

  • One count, failing to appear in court, section 145(3) of the Criminal Code.

In addition, McDonald has also been previously charged with:

  • one count of forcible confinement, section 279(2) of the Criminal Code;
  • two counts of robbery with a firearm, section 344 of the Criminal Code;
  • one count possess a weapon contrary to order, section 117.01(3) of the Criminal Code;
  • one count of unauthorized possession of firearm, section 91(3) of the Criminal Code;
  • one count of possession of prohibited firearm, section 92(3) of the Criminal Code;
  • one count of possession of firearm, weapon, or device in a vehicle, section 94(2) of the Criminal Code;
  • one count of possession of restricted firearm, section 95(2) of the Criminal Code;
  • one count of possession of weapon obtained by crime, section 96(2) of the Criminal Code;
  • one count of unauthorized possession of firearm, section 91(3) of the Criminal Code;
  • one count of unsafe storage of firearm, section 86(2) of the Criminal Code.

Montreal Lake/Waskesiu RCMP and Saskatchewan RCMP WEST have been checking places Craig McDonald has been known to visit and are following-up on information received. Investigators are now asking members of the public to report information on Craig McDonald's whereabouts.

Craig McDonald is described as being approximately 6 ft. tall and 180 lbs with brown hair and brown eyes.

Investigators believe Craig McDonald may be in the Montreal Lake Cree Nation and Prince Albert area, but this cannot be confirmed.

If you see Craig McDonald, do not approach him.

Report sightings and information on his whereabouts to your local police of jurisdiction or call 310-RCMP. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

Background: The Saskatchewan RCMP's Warrant Enforcement and Suppression Team (WEST) supports the apprehension of high-profile offenders and gang members with outstanding warrants. WEST works throughout the entire province, in partnership with municipal police services.

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