STURGEON LAKE FIRST NATION - RCMP are investigating after a firearm was discharged during a traffic stop.
On Aug. 20, at approximately 10:15 a.m., Prince Albert RCMP received a report of a vehicle driving at a high rate of speed on Sturgeon Lake First Nation.
Officers located the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. But the vehicle did not stop and fled.
Officers continued patrolling and located it a second time. They attempted a traffic stop again. The vehicle fled but soon after came to a stop because of mechanical issues.
One of the occupants discharged a firearm inside of the vehicle, shattering a window. The two occupants then fled on foot. Officers located and seized an illegally modified-firearm from the vehicle.
Saskatchewan RCMP’s Critical Incident Response Team, Police Dog Services, Prince Albert Crime Reduction Team and Prince Albert Warrant Enforcement and Response Team arrived to assist at the scene. Officers used the Remotely-Piloted Aircraft System to try to locate the suspects in a rural area near the community of Little Red River.
One of the occupants was located hiding in a bush and was arrested.
Investigation determined the suspect vehicle had been reported as stolen in Weirdale on Aug. 17.
As a result of continued investigation, a 44-year-old man, from Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation, is charged with: possession of property obtained by crime; resist arrest; flight from police; reckless discharge with intent to prevent arrest; unsafe storage of a firearm; possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized; and possession of a firearm and ammunition in a vehicle.
He was scheduled to appear in Prince Albert Provincial Court on Aug. 22.
Officers did not locate the second occupant and continue working to find him. The suspect is described as a male with short black hair, approximately 5'8" and 140 lbs.
If you have any information about this incident, call Prince Albert RCMP at 310-RCMP or Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers.
