A Ministikwan Lake Cree Nation man charged with weapons and drug offences, as well as violating a public health order during the COVID-19 pandemic remains in custody.
Francis Waterhen, 25, was scheduled to have a bail hearing in Meadow Lake Provincial Court May 7 but the hearing was adjourned.
Court cases for non-custody accused and docket proceedings at circuit court locations are adjourned until after May 31. Bail hearings and sentencing for in-custody accused are continuing by telephone and video-conferencing at the 13 permanent court locations that remain open.
Waterhen is one of 11 people charged in March under the Saskatchewan Public Health Act that says no more than 10 people can gather at one time without maintaining a two-meter distance. It took effect March 26 and the 11 were the first in Saskatchewan to be charged under the act.
Waterhen is also charged with weapons and drug-related offences after an incident on March 27 when Loon Lake RCMP responded to a report of a suspicious person at a home. The vehicle was later spotted near Meadow Lake when RCMP tried stopping the vehicle, the driver didn’t stop. Loon Lake and Pierceland RCMP assisted in a pursuit.
Bags were tossed out the window during the police chase and police recovered one, which contained firearms.
Four of the 11 were released after they were arrested. They are from various communities including Lloydminster, Onion Lake Cree Nation, Makwa Sahaiehcan First Nation, Big Island Lake Cree Territory and Ministikwan Lake Cree Nation.
Waterhen is scheduled to appear in Meadow Lake Provincial Court via CCTV on May 21 for a show cause hearing.
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