The Big River RCMP have arrested four adults after they fled from police following a firearm discharge on Big River First Nation.
On Sept. 26 at approximately 3:00 p.m, Big River RCMP received a report of a firearm discharge on Big River First Nation. Subsequently, investigators determined several individuals discharged a firearm in the direction of a vehicle parked at a residential property. The suspects were believed to be inside of a vehicle at the time of the discharge. The parked vehicle did not receive any damage and no injuries were reported to police.
Saskatchewan RCMP’s Meadow Lake Crime Reduction Team (CRT) and Meadow Lake and Prince Albert Police Dog Services (PDS) were engaged to assist in the search for the suspects.
Officials said the vehicle and suspects were located in a parking lot in Debden. Officers initiated a traffic stop where the vehicle fled from police. The vehicle fled north on Highway 55 before entering the ditch. Three of the four occupants fled on foot. The fourth individual did not flee and was arrested without incident.
The police dog tracked the suspects and led officers to locate and arrest three men.
During a search of the vehicle, officers located and seized two firearms and ammunition—one of the seized firearms was loaded.
As a result of the investigation, 39-year-old Shane Bear from Big River First Nation has been charged with 13 offences, some including flight from peace officer, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, weapons possession contrary to order and fail to surrender authorization, and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
Additionally, 38-year-old Barry Morin from Big River First Nation, 36-year-ld Garry Swiftwolfe from Big River First Nation, and 34-year-old Jacob Verhey from Debden are all facing six charges including unsafe storage of a firearm, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and unauthorized possession of a non-restricted firearm.
Bear, Swiftwolfe, and Verhey are scheduled to appear in Prince Albert Provincial Court Friday. Morin is scheduled to appear in court in Whitefish on Nov. 10.
The Big River RCMP continue to investigate.
