NORTH BATTLEFORD - Third update, Feb. 14, 2:22 p.m.: The woman who was reported as the victim of a kidnapping following a carjacking incident has now been found.
At approximately 1:25 p.m., Saskatchewan RCMP located Leanna Frenchman safe at a residence on St. Laurent Drive in North Battleford.
Saskatchewan RCMP continues to investigate and an update will be provided when available.
Second update, Feb. 14, 11:20 a.m.: Battlefords RCMP are asking for the public's assistance to locate Leanna Frenchman.
Saskatchewan RCMP’s General Investigation Section (GIS) is investigating with the support of the Battlefords RCMP Detachment. This incident is now being investigated as a kidnapping.
As a result of continued investigation, officers located the red 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix in a residential area on St. Laurent Drive in North Battleford at approximately 10:30 a.m. The male suspect and Leanna Frenchman were not located with the vehicle. Officers are actively making patrols and continue work to locate Leanna Frenchman. Residents in the area will note an increased police presence while this investigation continues.
Saskatchewan RCMP are asking business owners and residents who witnessed suspicious activity or captured home surveillance video in the area of St. Laurent Drive in North Battleford this morning to contact police immediately. Police are especially interested if your device captured the red Pontiac Grand Prix sometime this morning.
Leanna Frenchman is described as approximately 5'6" tall and 105 lbs. She has brown eyes and brown or blonde hair. Leanna has a scar that stretches from the top of her lip to her nose. A photo of her is shown.
The suspect is described as a male with a round-shaped face, last seen wearing a baggy red sweater and jeans. Police do not have any other descriptors at this time.
If you have seen Leanna Frenchman or have information about this investigation, contact your local police at 310-RCMP immediately or 911 in an emergency, or Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
Update, Feb. 14, 8:02 a.m.: A Battlefords woman is missing after an armed carjacking.
On Feb. 14 at approximately 5 a.m., Battlefords RCMP received a report of an armed robbery on Railway Avenue E. in North Battleford, SK.
Officers responded immediately and determined an adult male, who was armed with a firearm, approached a vehicle with two adult females inside. The adult male threatened the vehicle occupants and stole the vehicle. One of the females, 33-year-old Leanna Frenchman, was reportedly still inside. Based on initial investigation and the report made, Battlefords RCMP has not located Frenchman and therefore are considering her missing. Investigators are concerned for her well-being and continue to actively investigate.
The second adult female exited the vehicle and reported no physical injuries to police.
Initial investigation indicates Frenchman may be in the presence of an adult male, who was reportedly armed. Initial investigation has determined Frenchman and the adult male are not known to one another. It is unknown where they are travelling to, but they were last seen driving in North Battleford in a red 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix with Saskatchewan licence plate 186 NSA.
Frenchman is described as approximately 5'6" tall and 105 lbs. She has brown eyes and brown hair. A photo of Frenchman is shown.
Police are working to obtain further descriptors of the suspect.
If you have seen Leanna Frenchman, the red Pontiac Grand Prix, or have information about this investigation, contact your local police at 310-RCMP immediately or 911 in an emergency, or Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
Original post, Feb. 14: At approximately 5 a.m. on Feb. 14, the Battlefords RCMP received a complaint of a carjacking with a firearm in North Battleford. The suspect was reportedly brandishing a firearm during the carjacking.
The description of the stolen vehicle is a red 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix with a Saskatchewan license plate of 186NSA. Direction of travel is unknown at this time. If you observe this vehicle do not approach it and call 911 immediately.
If you have information related to this RCMP Saskatchewan Crime Watch Advisory Network alert please call 310-RCMP for immediate response, or you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
- With files from The Canadian Press
