Sask. RCMP briefs: Home invasion, armed kidnapping and fleeing suspects

RCMP officers in Saskatchewan have had a busy week, responding to calls about an armed home invasion and a gunpoint kidnapping, while two fleeing suspects allegedly crashed into police vehicles while making a failed bid for freedom.

On Wednesday, officers from the La Ronge detachment were informed about a kidnapping that allegedly happened on Jan. 6.

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“Investigation determined two adult individuals were at a residence in Sucker River when they were forced into a vehicle by an armed adult male, who threatened and assaulted them,” the RCMP said in a statement.

“The victims were able to escape and did not report physical injuries to police. We are not providing additional details to be mindful of the victims’ privacy and well-being.”

Police said a 35-year-old man was arrested in connection with the kidnapping on Wednesday. He’s now facing 16 criminal charges, including robbery and kidnapping with a firearm. He’s scheduled to appear in court in La Ronge on Thursday.

Home invasion and robbery in Little Red River

Mounties got a call on Friday morning reporting an armed robbery in Little Red River, north of Prince Albert.

“Investigation determined two suspects went to a house in the community of Little Red River with a shotgun and demanded keys to the resident’s truck, in which they fled. No injuries were reported to police,” the RCMP said.

“At approximately 1:15 p.m., RCMP officers located the stolen truck on Sturgeon Lake First Nation. They attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle backed into a ditch and the occupants fled. After a short foot pursuit, the driver and two passengers were arrested without incident.”

Police said three people, ages 40, 35 and 20, were arrested and charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, while the 35-year-old was also charged with armed robbery, breaking and entering with intent, pointing a firearm, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and possessing firearms contrary to a court order. The 40-year-old was charged with fleeing police and resisting or obstructing a peace officer. All three appeared in court on Monday.

“Prince Albert RCMP continue the investigation into the identity of one of the suspects from the armed robbery,” the RCMP noted.

Pair allegedly crashed into two police vehicles while fleeing

An Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation man is facing charges after allegedly stealing a vehicle, fleeing from police and colliding with two RCMP vehicles on Thursday.

The Big River RCMP said it received a report of a robbery on Jan. 8, at about 9:50 a.m.

The Mounties said officers determined a car was stolen at gunpoint in Debden on New Year’s Eve.

“No injuries were reported as a result of this incident,” police said in a statement.

The RCMP said officers located a car that matched the stolen vehicle’s description on Cyr Road, near Debden, early on Thursday afternoon.

“Officers activated their vehicle’s emergency equipment and initiated a traffic stop. The car did not stop for police,” said the police force.

Police later spotted the same car travelling on Highway 55, south of Debden and set up a tire deflation device. After the car struck the device and had its tires deflated, police said the car “continued moving and collided with the rear of one police vehicle and the side of a second police vehicle before coming to a stop.”

A man and woman fled from the vehicle and were arrested, the RCMP said.

The Mounties said two police vehicles were damaged from the collision, but the officers inside were unhurt.

As a result of the incident, a 34-year-old Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation man is charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, flight from police, resisting or obstructing peace officer and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000. He will appear in court Jan. 28, the RCMP said.

The woman, also from Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation, was wanted on an outstanding warrant, police said.