On July 21, 2024, Saskatchewan RCMP's North Battleford Crime Reduction Team (CRT) was conducting proactive patrols in North Battleford in relation to a stolen vehicle investigation.
At approximately 6:20 p.m., they observed a vehicle parked outside of a motel. The plates on the vehicle were for a different vehicle. Officers knocked on the door of the associated hotel room and announced themselves, but no one answered. A male then appeared at the window and pointed an item that resembled the barrel of a firearm at the officer.
To mitigate any potential safety risk, the occupants of the motel were evacuated.
The male refused to leave the room.
With the assistance of Saskatchewan RCMP's Critical Incident Response Team, the male was arrested without incident at approximately 10:30 p.m.
Officers located a katana-style sword, a small amount of methamphetamine and a metal cylinder object, which investigators believe was displayed by the male in the window, in the room.
Further investigation determined the male had initially provided a false name to police officers, and had checked into the hotel with a false name and stolen credit card.
The male was wanted for failing to comply with a release order condition after Prince Albert RCMP received a report he had removed an electronic monitoring device related to a 24-hour court-ordered curfew.
As a result of continued investigation, 34-year-old Michael Blackstar from North Battleford is charged with:
- one count, uttering threats, Section 264.1(1)(a), Criminal Code;
- one count, resist/obstruct peace officer, Section 129(a), Criminal Code;
- one count, identify fraud, Section 403, Criminal Code;
- one count, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, Section 88(2), Criminal Code;
- one count, assault on police officer, Section 270(2), Criminal Code;
- one count, obtain lodging by fraud, Section 364(1), Criminal Code; and
- three counts, fail to comply with release order condition, Section 145(5)(a), Criminal Code.
He is scheduled to appear in North Battleford Provincial Court on July 24, 2024.
Battlefords RCMP assisted with this investigation.