Saskatoon Police Briefs: Fake guns, blasting caps and retail crimes

A 40-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday morning after allegedly pointing a fake gun at a man who refused to give him a lift.

According to police, officers were called to Charlebois Crescent in Silverwood Heights at around 5 a.m.

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“It was reported to (the Saskatoon Police Service) that a man was approached in his vehicle by a male suspect who demanded a ride,” the police service said in a statement.

“When the man refused, the suspect produced and pointed a firearm at him. The man fled the scene in his vehicle, uninjured.”

Police said officers caught up with the suspect while he was walking on David Knight Crescent, and he was arrested without incident.

“On his person, officers located an imitation firearm and knife,” police said.

“A 40-year-old Saskatoon man is charged with Possession of a Dangerous Weapon, Carry a Concealed Weapon, Assault with a Weapon and Pointing a Firearm.”

Drugs, weapons and blasting caps found during traffic stop

The police service said officers seized drugs, weapons and explosive blasting caps from two men during a traffic stop on Monday night.

According to police, officers stopped a vehicle on Eighth Street East at around 11 p.m. because the plate didn’t match to the vehicle.

“Upon making contact with the two vehicle occupants, officers observed open alcohol inside,” the police service said in a statement.

“The driver was found to be concealing a can of bear spray and explosive blasting caps. He was also in possession of methamphetamine, fentanyl and unstamped cigarettes. The passenger was also found to be in possession of unstamped cigarettes, a pipe and hydromorphone pills. Inside the vehicle, officers located and seized brass knuckles and ammunition.”

A 39-year-old man is now facing charges of possession of a dangerous weapon, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a prohibited weapon and possession of a controlled substance.

A 48-year-old man was charged with possession of a controlled substance, police said. He was released on an undertaking.

Both men were also given tickets for unstampted tobacco.

Numerous arrests during retail enforcement blitz

Police spent four days this month helping retailers on Confederation Drive, where an increase in crime has been reported.

“Prolific shoplifters have become more common and violent, often concealing/producing weapons during the theft,” the Saskatoon Police Service said in a statement.

“Police encountered this, along with aggressive panhandling, intoxicated people and illicit drug use during the four days of the blitz.”

During the four days, the police service said officers arrested 22 people, and noted that 15 of them are considered to be violent or repeat offenders. Three weapons were seized by police, 19 criminal charges were laid, and $1,500 in stolen property was recovered.

“The response from Loss Prevention Officers, businesses/staff and customers was positive and SPS is beginning to plan the next retail blitz, this summer,” the police service said.

Verbal dispute escalates on Main Street

Police were called to the 2000 block of Main Street in Grosvenor Park just before 1 a.m. on Wednesday after a man reported that a verbal dispute had turned into a physical assault.

“The suspect then threatened the victim with what was described to be a handgun,” the police service said.

“The 21-year-old victim was not seriously injured and the suspect fled in a black SUV prior to police arrival.”

The suspect was described as having “chin-length hair,” and was last seen wearing a light-coloured toque, a black sweater, khaki pants and white Crocs.

Anyone with information that could help the investigation was asked to contact the Saskatoon Police Service or make a report through Crime Stoppers.