RCMP arrest 3, search for 4 suspects, after incident on Onion Lake Cree Nation

RCMP arrested three people and are searching for four more suspects, whose identities are yet unknown to police.

Onion Lake RCMP and North Battleford RCMP General Investigation Section continue to work with neighbouring RCMP detachments to locate the four other suspects involved in an incident on Dec.8. Residents in the Onion Lake area can expect to see an increased police presence for some time.

According to police, on Dec. 8 at about 6:45 p.m., Onion Lake RCMP received information from a neighbouring detachment of a vehicle that fled from police near Paradise Hill, Sask.

The suspect vehicle, which was reported to be a minivan, was fleeing from police and investigators believed a wanted, dangerous man was inside the fleeing vehicle.

Onion Lake RCMP made several attempts to stop the vehicle, which was seen travelling first on Harland Road, then on the North Saskatchewan Bridge, before heading north on Hwy 17.

The vehicle then entered a roadway east of Hwy 17 and pulled into a driveway of a residence. Officers witnessed seven occupants exit the vehicle and flee, on foot, towards the bushes. The male driver of the vehicle was seen by police to be in possession of a firearm.

Police took three suspects into custody: two adult females and the adult male whom officers believed to be dangerous and wanted on warrants.  All three suspects are from the Onion Lake First Nation. The identities of the four other suspects are unknown at this time.

RCMP detachments including Onion Lake, Turtleford and Lloydminster immediately set up containment to secure the area. Lloydminster Rescue Squad were also on scene providing support to officers searching for the remaining four suspects.

A search of the vehicle by police resulted in the seizure of two firearms, ammunition, several edged weapons and drugs.

Investigators believe the remaining four suspects are armed and dangerous and should not be approached. 

Anyone with information about their location is asked to call 911.

Onion Lake RCMP are reminding residents in the community to report any suspicious activity, crimes in progress, or any information relating to this incident your local police service immediately. Or you may contact Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

The investigation is ongoing and updates will be provided as they become available. Charges are anticipated.

During the incident, Onion Lake Cree Nation Chief and Council issued a public safety announcement Tuesday night to its residents telling them to lock their doors because there is an “incident in progress.”

The release issued by OLCN states that residents along Hwy 17 are affected. The statement also says the announcement is by order of the RCMP. 

Earlier this year OLCN declared a state of emergency after a string of gang and drug-related activity that threatened the safety of its residents.

Onion Lake Cree Nation is about 35 kilometres north of Lloydminster and borders both the Alberta and Saskatchewan border. 

Updated Dec. 9, 3:29 p.m.