AHTAHKAKOOP CREE NATION – As part of ongoing efforts in the Prince Albert area, Sask. RCMP Warrant Enforcement and Suppression Team (WEST) captured Craig McDonald who was wanted for forcible confinement, robbery with a firearm, and eight firearms-related offences.
When 31-year-old McDonald exited the residence, he was holding a loaded firearm, say police. He resisted arrest and officers used a Tazer to safely arrest him.
RCMP say that investigators had obtained a warrant to enter the home to arrest McDonald. With help from Sask. RCMP’s Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT), police surrounded the residence and executed the search warrant. They located and seized two additional loaded firearms.
Officers and staff from Saskatchewan RCMP’s Saskatoon WEST, Ahtahkakoop RCMP, North Battleford Crime Reduction Team (CRT), Montreal Lake CRT and additional Saskatchewan Enforcement Response Team (SERT) support teams assisted in this investigation and subsequent arrest.
“This arrest was a dynamic situation,” said S/Sgt. Ryan How, SERT's North Region Manager in a media release. “The fact that no one was injured after a male exited a house holding a loaded firearm speaks to the professionalism and high level of training exhibited by the SERT and CIRT officers.
“Locating this wanted male is a result of the ongoing highly-coordinated effort between SERT, CIRT, Ahtahkakoop RCMP, Prince Albert RCMP, Waskesiu/Montreal Lake RCMP and other supporting units. Residents in the Prince Albert, Waskesiu/Montreal Lake and Ahtahkakoop areas can expect to see an increased police presence as our efforts continue. We’re committed to providing more updates on our work in these communities as we are able to.”
Residents in the Prince Albert, Waskesiu/Montreal Lake and Ahtahkakoop areas can expect to see an increased police presence as their efforts continue, added S/Sgt. How.
McDonald was additionally charged with four counts of failing to comply with release order conditions, two counts of possession of firearm while unauthorized, possession of firearm with a tampered serial number, four counts of possession of firearm while prohibited, and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
Two other people were also arrested at the home. One was charged with failing to comply with a release order and the third person was released without charges.
SERT consists of Saskatchewan RCMP's Crime Reduction Team (CRT) and Warrant Enforcement Suppression Team (WEST), as well as the Saskatchewan Trafficking Response Team (STRT).
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