MOSQUITO, GRIZZLY BEAR'S HEAD, LEAN MAN FIRST NATION — Battlefords RCMP have arrested two individuals after an alleged attempt to discharge a firearm towards police.
On April 15 at approximately 6:05 a.m., Battlefords RCMP received a report of a male with a firearm on Mosquito, Grizzly Bear’s Head, Lean Man First Nation. Investigation determined a male damaged an SUV parked at a residence on Mosquito, Grizzly Bear's Head, Lean Man First Nation and pointed a firearm at two females who had exited the residence. The male then drove away in the SUV without the consent of the owners. No injuries were reported to police.
Officers responded immediately and located the SUV parked at a business on Battleford Road in North Battleford. Officers activated their vehicle’s emergency equipment and initiated a traffic stop. Police began approaching the SUV on foot when the driver, a male, exited the SUV and pointed a firearm at an officer. The male attempted to discharge the firearm multiple times in the direction of the officer, but the firearm did not discharge. The officer was not physically injured. The male suspect re-entered the SUV and drove away at a high rate of speed. A female passenger who had exited the SUV was arrested at the scene without incident.
Officers followed the SUV, which was driving erratically – driving through ditches and over meridians – causing the vehicle to become disabled on Railway Avenue in North Battleford. The male suspect exited the SUV, armed with a knife. The male harmed himself and officers responded, arresting him and providing medical aid until EMS arrived. The male was taken to hospital with injuries described as serious in nature. A loaded firearm was seized from inside the vehicle. The SUV had no other occupants.
A 22-year-old man, from Lloydminster is charged with:
- one count, assault on peace officer with a weapon;
- one count, pointing a firearm;
- one count, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose;
- one count, careless use of a firearm;
- one count, unauthorized possession of a firearm;
- one count, possession of a firearm when knowing possession unauthorized;
- one count, possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle;
- one count, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle;
- one count, operation of a motor vehicle while impaired;
- one count, flight from peace officer; and
- one count, possession of a firearm/ammunition when prohibited.
He is scheduled to appear in North Battleford Provincial Court on April 21.
Battlefords RCMP continue to investigate.
"The reality is, this situation could have ended very differently. Pointing a firearm at anyone is an extremely serious and dangerous act. Thankfully, no one was injured by the firearm in this case, but it's a stark reminder of the risks RCMP officers take every day to keep residents safe," said Insp. Ryan How, the officer in charge of Battlefords RCMP, in the news release. "I am proud of all of our officers who responded to this incident and their commitment to protecting the Battlefords detachment area.