Stolen vehicles recovered with help from Saskatoon Police Air Support Unit

Two stolen vehicles were recovered and two people were arrested after unsuccessfully trying to run from police in separate incidents Saturday and Monday.

The first chase began Saturday evening, when a Saskatoon police officer spotted a driver in a Dodge Ram run a red light and speed off.

Officers tracked the truck with help from their Air Support Unit, and continued to monitor from the air as the driver left the city on Highway 16, driving dangerously and cutting through ditches and fields. RCMP were called in to help as the driver made his way into the Watrous area, police said, and a tire deflation device was used. Ultimately, police said, the driver found himself stuck in a field, which brought the chase to an end.

The 32-year-old driver was arrested without incident, police said, and the truck was discovered to have been stolen from Rosthern. The driver, who police noted was wanted on warrants from Shellbrook and Blaine Lake, is now facing a number of new charges including dangerous driving, evading police, and possession of stolen property.

The second chase began early Monday morning, when a Saskatoon officer spotted a Dodge Nitro that was reported stolen in Prince Albert. The officer tried to perform a traffic stop, police said, but the driver of the Nitro took off, running a red light.

According to Saskatoon police, the Air Support Unit was once again used to follow the suspect from above as the driver left the city heading for Warman.

Local RCMP and officers with Corman Park Police used “several tire deflation devices” to disable the vehicle, police said, and the 21-year-old woman in the driver’s seat was arrested without further incident. Inside the vehicle, police said they found bear spray and drugs. The driver is now facing charges including evading police, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and possession of stolen property, police said.

Saskatoon Police Chief Troy Cooper thanked the other police forces that helped bring the chases to an end.

“These incidents are an example of how serious and potentially dangerous situations aren’t limited to the area within Saskatoon city limits,” Cooper said in a statement.

“As is the case often, a successful conclusion is the direct result of our extensive training, coordinated policing and valuable partnerships.”