PRINCE ALBERT - Update, Oct. 25, 3:55 p.m.: Police have laid charges following the dangerous persons investigation near Prince Albert.
The Saskatchewan RCMP General Investigation Section continues to investigate the circumstances of the Oct. 24 dangerous persons incidents.
The two suspects arrested during the search on Oct. 24 were located by Saskatoon Police Services Air Support Unit running along the Saskatchewan River bank, approximately three kilometres from where they were seen entering the bush, and arrested by RCMP officers on the ground.
As a result of investigation, they have been identified as 18-year-old Melissa McCallum from La Ronge and 33-year-old Angus Heathen from Prince Albert. They are charged with: aggravated assault; robbery with a firearm; careless use of a firearm; possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized; unauthorized possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle; discharging a firearm with intent; unlawfully cause bodily harm; possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose; and pointing a firearm.
McCallum was treated by EMS and released into police custody at the scene for minor injuries as a result of the collision between the Dodge Ram and a heavy equipment vehicle around 10:30 a.m. on Oct. 24. Angus was not injured. They will appear in Prince Albert Provincial Court on Oct. 28.
The two outstanding suspects were not located overnight in the area of Highway 123, despite extensive police ground and air searches in dense, thick bush with swampland and mossy and boggy terrain. Police continue to work to identify and locate them. Police ask the public to remain vigilant and not approach any suspicious people and report all suspicious activity to police by calling 9-1-1 in an emergency and 310-RCMP in non-emergencies.
Investigators continue to examine the Oct. 24 incidents and activities of the charged individuals in the days leading up to the incidents, to determine if any connections exist.
The shooting victim remains in hospital and we will not be providing updates on his condition to maintain his privacy.
Residents of the area: please check home surveillance
Saskatchewan RCMP is asking residents and businesses between Holbein and past Nipawin up to the Thunder Rapids area (especially along Highways 355 and 55) to check video surveillance (from doorbell cameras, trail cameras, security cameras, etc.) for any signs of a black Honda CRV with three to four suspects dressed in all black and bandanas over their faces between Oct. 23 and the morning of Oct. 24, driving in and between the Holbein and Thunder Rapids areas. Tips should be reported by calling 310-RCMP (7267). Saskatchewan RCMP is also asking residents of these areas to check on their neighbours to ensure everyone’s safety.
Original post, Oct. 24, 5:45 p.m.: Police are asking for assistance from the public following a robbery and shooting near Prince Albert.
On Oct. 24 at approximately 8:30 a.m., Prince Albert RCMP received a report of a vehicle robbery and shooting that occurred north of Prince Albert.
Initial investigation determined that around 7:30 a.m., a lone man was in a vehicle near White Star Road north of Prince Albert when they were approached by multiple suspects in a black SUV wearing black bandanas or black balaclavas.
The man was shot by the suspects. The suspects stole the man’s vehicle, a white 2020 Dodge Ram, and cellphone, and abandoned the black SUV. The victim did not know the suspects.
The injured victim was located by a passerby at approximately 8:30 a.m., and police were called. Prince Albert RCMP and EMS immediately responded. The injured man was transported to hospital with serious injuries and remains there. The RCMP will not be identifying the victim to be respectful of their privacy.
The suspects were armed with a gun and considered dangerous. They were believed to be travelling near the intersection of Highways 55 and 123 east of Nipawin.
At 9:56 a.m., Saskatchewan RCMP issued a dangerous persons alert to the public. The initial alert was issued to a wide area, given the random nature of the incident and suspects’ direction of travel was unknown.
At approximately 10 a.m., the white 2020 Dodge Ram was seen driving on Highway 123 heading north towards Cumberland House.
At 10:17 a.m., Saskatchewan RCMP sent another dangerous persons alert to update the public.
Around 10:30 a.m., the white Dodge Ram collided with a heavy equipment vehicle on Highway 123 in the Thunder Rapids area.
Responding officers saw the suspects exit the white Dodge Ram and run into the bush. There were no injuries reported to police as a result of the collision. Two firearms were located and seized from the vehicle.
At 10:38 a.m., Saskatchewan RCMP issued a third dangerous persons alert.
Saskatchewan RCMP arrested two suspects – one male and one female – in the Tobin Lake area and at 4:05 p.m. cancelled the dangerous persons alert as it was determined this incident no longer met the criteria.
Police believe there are two suspects who have not been located and are on foot in the Tobin Lake area. Police continue to monitor the situation and updates will be provided when available. Should an imminent risk to public safety be identified, police will notify the public.
Residents in the Tobin Lake area may notice a continued increased police presence.
Multiple Saskatchewan RCMP units and detachments are engaged in the search for the suspects, with support from police partners.
Saskatchewan RCMP responded from Nipawin, Melfort, Carrot River, Cumberland House and Waskesiu Detachments, Melfort Traffic Services, Prince Albert Warrant Enforcement and Suppression Team, Prince Albert Police Dog Services, and the Critical Incident Response Team.
Officers worked in coordination with Saskatchewan Highway Patrol officers and conservation officers from the Provincial Protective Services Branch, and received air support from the Saskatoon Police Service.
The search area is incredibly challenging: the bush is very dense and thick, and there is extremely limited cell service.
At this time, the police, including the RCMP General Investigation Section, continue the ongoing investigation and will provide more information when it is available.
Residents asked to check home surveillance
Saskatchewan RCMP is asking residents and businesses between Holbein and past Nipawin up to the Thunder Rapids area, especially along Highways 355 and 55, to check their video surveillance (from doorbell cameras, trail cameras, security cameras, etc.) for any signs of a black Honda CRV with three to four suspects dressed in all black and bandanas over their faces between Oct. 23 and the morning of Oct. 24, driving in and between the Holbein and Thunder Rapids areas. Tips should be reported by calling 310-RCMP (7267). Saskatchewan RCMP is also asking residents of these areas to check on their neighbours to ensure everyone’s safety.
Saskatchewan RCMP asks the public to stay vigilant. Report tips about this incident by calling 310-RCMP (7267). They should call 9-1-1 in an emergency. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers.
