BIG RIVER FIRST NATION - Second update, Feb. 18, 4:55 p.m.: As a result of further investigation, Saskatchewan RCMP determined the third stabbing victim, an adult male, to be a suspect in the first two stabbings that occurred on Feb. 15 on Big River First Nation. Once released from hospital, the adult male was arrested.
A 25-year-old suspect, from Big River First Nation, is charged with:
- two counts, aggravated assault;
- one count, robbery with a weapon; and
- one count, break and enter.
The suspect is scheduled to appear in Prince Albert Provincial Court on Feb. 18.
Saskatchewan RCMP continue to look for 29-year-old Ryan Lachance. As a result of continued investigation into the Feb. 15 incidents, Ryan Lachance has been charged with:
- two counts, aggravated assault;
- two counts, robbery;
- one count, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose;
- one count, mischief under $5,000 – damage to property;
- one count, break, enter and commit; and
- two counts, fail to comply with release order condition.
He has also been charged for failing to attend court, in relation to a missed court date earlier in February.
Ryan is also wanted on warrant from Big River RCMP in relation to an unrelated alleged aggravated assault that occurred in November 2024.
Ryan Lachance is described as approximately 5'6" tall and 150 lbs. He has brown eyes and brown hair. Ryan has a teardrop tattoo under his left eye. He was last seen wearing a black hoodie with a large white logo on it, and black pants. A photo of him is shown. If you see Ryan Lachance, do not approach him. He is considered armed and dangerous.
Ryan Lachance may be in a stolen black KIA Optima with Saskatchewan licence plate 649 NPP. This is not confirmed and Ryan’s whereabouts are currently unknown. On Feb. 17, 2025, Big River RCMP located and seized the grey BMW SUV.
If you see Ryan Lachance, the black Kia Optima, or if you have information about this investigation, please call police immediately. In an emergency call 911, and in a non-emergency call 310-RCMP, or Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Saskatchewan RCMP continue to investigate.
Update, Feb. 16, 4:39 p.m.: Saskatchewan RCMP continue to investigate three stabbing incidents on Big River First Nation.
They continue to look for a male suspect in relation to the stabbings, 29-year-old Ryan Lachance, who is wanted by Big River RCMP in relation to an unrelated aggravated assault that occurred in November 2024.
Ryan Lachance is described as approximately 5’6” tall and 150 lbs. He has brown eyes and brown hair, and a teardrop tattoo under his left eye. He was last seen wearing a black hoodie with a large white logo on it, and black pants.
Police say the suspect is considered armed and dangerous, and should not be approached. If you see him, call police immediately by calling 911 in the case of an emergency, or 310-RCMP in a non-emergency.
The last confirmed sighting of Ryan Lachance was around 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 15, in the Victoire area. He may be in a stolen black KIA Optima with Saskatchewan license plate 649 NPP OR a grey BMW SUV, but this is not confirmed.
Timeline
On Feb. 15 at approximately 3:50 p.m., Big River RCMP received a report of a stabbing at a residence on Big River First Nation. Investigation determined an altercation occurred between a male and a female. As a result, the female was injured. The female victim was taken to hospital with injuries described as non-life threatening.
At approximately 4 p.m., Big River RCMP received a report that a stabbing had occurred at a second residence on Big River First Nation. Investigation determined a group of people entered the residence and stabbed a male. The injured male was taken to hospital with injuries described as non-life threatening.
At approximately 4:20 p.m., Big River RCMP received a report of a male who was stabbed on Big River First Nation. Officers responded and located the male at a third residence on Big River First Nation. The male was transported by STARS to hospital for treatment of his injuries.
While officers were responding to the third stabbing, they received a report of an attempted armed robbery with a machete in Victoire. Investigation determined a male approached a vehicle and threatened the driver. The driver exited the vehicle and fled. The male suspect was unable to steal the vehicle and fled on foot in an unknown direction.
Residents in the Big River First Nation area will note an increased police presence while this investigation continues. People are asked to avoid the areas where police officers are present and follow any police direction provided.
If you see Ryan Lachance, the black KIA Optima, or the grey BMW SUV, call your local police immediately. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
