Please note all information below occurred within the time period above, unless otherwise noted.
Saskatchewan RCMP - Your Provincial Police Service
Saskatchewan RCMP recognized National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21) by attending celebrations throughout the province. It was a day full of Indigenous teachings, storytelling, dancing, drumming, and more. Learning the cultural significance of these traditions and practices is important in building relationships and understanding that no two Indigenous communities are the same.
- The National Indigenous Policing Services Ensign was raised at F Division Headquarters.
- Saskatchewan RCMP employees attended an event in Moose Jaw that featured Indigenous teachings, storytelling, dancing, drumming, and more. Learning the cultural significance of these traditions and practices is important in building relationships and understandings that no two Indigenous communities are the same. Saskatchewan RCMP was honoured to attend this amazing event.
- Officers from the Saskatchewan RCMP's Indigenous Policing Unit, Indigenous Recruiting Unit and La Ronge Detachment took part in a pipe ceremony, parade, and opening ceremonies at a National Indigenous People's Day event in La Ronge. Three of the officers are members of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band and were acknowledged as role models by event co-ordinators during the festivities. They were honoured to participate in the events – right in their home community.
- Last week, officers from Saskatchewan RCMP's Pinehouse detachment and Indigenous Policing Unit took part in the 12th annual Elders Gathering in Pinehouse, Saskatchewan. The week-long event celebrated northern Indigenous and Métis culture, language, values and hospitality. Officers took part in many festivities, including a jigging demonstration and serving meals to community members. They also set up the Métis prospector tent and promoted a career in the RCMP to attendees.
- On June 24, 2024 members of the White Butte RCMP raised the Treaty 4 flag outside the detachment for the first time. This year marks 150 years since the signing of Treaty 4, which took place on September 15, 1874 in Fort Qu'Appelle, Saskatchewan. In honour of the flag raising ceremony, White Butte RCMP welcomed Chief Shelley Bear and a drum group from Ochapowace First Nation to bring remarks and music as the flag was raised. This is just one of many events across the province happening in June as part of National Indigenous History month.
Investigative Recap
June 9: On June 9, 2024 at approximately 9:45 p.m., Carlyle RCMP were conducting proactive patrols and performed a traffic stop on Highway #9, south of Kenosee Lake.
Investigation determined that the vehicle was not registered. Further investigation determined the driver of the vehicle was wanted on warrant from Ponteix RCMP for charges laid in relation to a January 2024 livestock related fraud.
During subsequent investigation, officers located and seized approximately 25 grams of cocaine, approximately eight grams of methamphetamine, ammunition, a compound bow, a sword, and drug trafficking paraphernalia in the vehicle.
Two adult males and an adult female were arrested at the scene.
20-year-old Mathew Lowry, 18-year-old Hayleigh Neumann, and 31-year-old Zachary Hillis, all from Carnduff, are each charged with:
- one count, possession for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine, Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;
- one count, possession for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine, Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act; and
- one count, possession of a firearm/prohibited weapon when knowing possession unauthorized, Section 92(3), Criminal Code.
Zachary Hillis was also arrested on his outstanding warrant.
Mathew Lowry, Hayleigh Neumann, and Zachary Hillis are scheduled to appear in Weyburn Provincial Court on July 24, 2024.
June 19: White Butte RCMP investigating fatal collision
June 20: As a result of investigation Saskatchewan RCMP's Prince Albert and Saskatoon Warrant Enforcement and Suppression Teams (WEST) travelled to Île-à-la-Crosse to locate and arrest a wanted male. Officers contained a residence and after approximately an hour and half, the wanted male exited the residence and was arrested without incident.
46-year-old Aaron Gardiner was arrested on outstanding warrants for flight from police officer, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and failure to comply with the Sex Offender Information Registration Act. He is scheduled to appear in court in La Loche on June 24.
June 21: Rosetown RCMP investigating fatal collision
June 21: White Butte RCMP police vehicle rammed during traffic stop
June 21: Suspect(s) on foot in St. Louis area - ongoing police investigation
June 21: RCMP officers aid four friends on hiking trip turned dangerous
June 22: Saskatchewan RCMP's North Battleford Crime Reduction Team (CRT) was conducting proactive patrols in the Onion Lake area. A vehicle passed a police vehicle, then went through a stop sign. Officers activated their lights and sirens and attempted a traffic stop. The vehicle did not stop, and at one point, drove straight toward a police vehicle, which had to swerve to avoid being hit head-on.
Officers set up a tire deflation device in the vehicle's path. The vehicle drove over it and was disabled. The two occupants fled on foot into a nearby forested area. Multiple RCMP officers contained the area, then located and arrested the suspects.
Officer determined the vehicle had been reported as stolen in Lloydminster.
As a result of continued investigation, 40-year-old Jeffrey McLean from Lloydminster is charged with:
- one count, assault on police officer with weapon, Section 270.01(a), Criminal Code;
- one count, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, Section 320.13(1), Criminal Code;
- one count, fail to stop for peace officer, Section 320.17, Criminal Code;
- one count, resist arrest, Section 129(a), Criminal Code;
- one count, possession of the proceeds of crime over $5,000, Section 355(1), Criminal Code; and
- one count, fail to comply with release order condition, Section 145(5)(a), Criminal Code.
He was also arrested on 11 outstanding warrants from Kitscoty, Lloydminster, and Maidstone RCMP.
21-year-old Sadie Lameman from Onion Lake is charged with:
- one count, resist arrest, Section 129(a), Criminal Code;
- five counts, fail to comply with release order condition, Section 145(5)(a), Criminal Code; and
- one count, possession of the proceeds of crime over $5,000, Section 355(1), Criminal Code.
She was also arrested on 10 outstanding warrants from Kitscoty, Lloydminster and Provost RCMP.
Onion Lake RCMP assisted with this investigation.
Both accused have been remanded into custody until their next appearance in Alberta provincial court in Lloydminster on June 25, 2024.