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HomeNewsLloydminster RCMP arrest approximately 40 people during street level crime targeting

Lloydminster RCMP arrest approximately 40 people during street level crime targeting

The Lloydminster RCMP has released the results of a month long targeted initiative fighting street-level crime.

Over the month of April, the local detachment had been working on an intelligence led operation, focused on street level organized crime and gangs in and around the city.

This operation also used resources from the Lloydminster RCMP General Investigations Section, Lloydminster RCMP Crime Reduction Unit, Police Dog Services, Eastern Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit , RCMP K Division Air Services and F Division Crime Reduction Team, among others.

As a result, approximately 40 people involved allegedly involved with these crimes were arrested. Numerous stolen vehicles, guns, drugs were also recovered as the RCMP as they executed numerous outstanding warrants.

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From their investigations, the RCMP has also made a few cases public.

April 21st

On April 21st, the EACRU stopped a driver with a suspended license in Lloydminster. During a search of the vehicle, officers allegedly found a loaded firearm and brass knuckles.

The driver, 31 year old Arlyn Harper of Lloydminster, was under a court ordered firearm prohibition at the time. Harper has been charged with four counts of possession of a weapon without authorization, unauthorized firearm possession and driving while unauthorized.

Harper was released by a justice of the peace and will appear in court next on May 18th, 2021.

Also on the 21st, Lloydminster RCMP officers spotted a stolen vehicle at a home in Lloydminster. The driver failed to stop for police, so RCMP air services was deployed to follow the vehicle out of Lloydminster.

The vehicle was eventually stopped after crashing a fence and becoming stuck in a field north of Marwayne. After a foot chase, three suspects were caught with the help of RCMP Police Dog Services.

As a result, Troy McDonald, 40, from Onion Lake has been charged with dangerous driving and driving causing bodily harm, driving while prohibited, failure to comply, flight from police and possession of property obtained by crime over $5000.

Krista Dillon, 24, and Stacey Pahtayken, 33, were both also charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5000.

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Dillon and Pahtayken were released before appearing in court on June 15th. McDonald was remanded into custody pending a court appearance.

April 22nd

On this day, officers pulled over a car believed to be engaged in organized crime activities. During a search, officers allegedly found cocaine and methamphetamine packaged consistently for drug trafficking.

Brandon Cook, 24, of Onion Lake, has been charged with two counts of alleged possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking, four counts of failing to comply with a release condition.

Christian Heathen, also 24, of Onion Lake two counts of possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking, failing to comply with a probation order and three counts of failing to comply with a release condition.

Blair Swiftwolfe, 24, of Moosomin First Nation, Tracey Cook, 31, of Onion Lake and Demeris Cook, 22, of Onion Lake have all been charged with two counts of possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking each.

Around 8:15PM, also on April 22nd, officers attempted to stop a vehicle that had fled from them on several occasions. The driver took off once again, before being found at a home. All people in the vehicle were arrested.

43-year old Patricia Hill of Lloydminster was charged with operating a vehicle while impaired, also while impaired over 80MGS, dangerous driving and fleeing a police officer.

25-year-old Nikkita Hill and Shaylene Lewis were also charged with flight from police. While Lewis was also found to be in breach of a previously issued conditional sentence order, she was released before a court appearance on May 11th, 2021.

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April 23rd

On April 23 around 7:15 pm, Lloydminster RCMP Crime Reduction Unit attempted to stop a vehicle which then fled from police. With help from the K Division Air Services, and the vehicle was tracked to an area north of Maidstone.

Everyone inside was arrested on warrant and new charges.  Damian Dillon, 26, of Onion Lake was charged with flight from police officer, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, operating a motor vehicle while prohibited and two counts of failing to comply with release condition.

Jordan Lysohirka, 24, of Lloydminster, has been also charged with failing to comply with release order condition.

April 24th

Around 2:30PM on that day, EADCRU and the Lloydminster searched a vehicle during a stop, finding a large amount of bear spray and drugs. Officers were also able to get a warrant for a home on the 2500 block of 47 Avenue.

During that search, police allegedly found cocaine and heroin, along with other items consistent with drug trafficking.

Daniel Vandale, 33, of Meadow Lake, has been charged with possession of a cocaine and heroin for the purpose of trafficking, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and driving while prohibited

Deanna Pahtayken, 31, of Onion Lake Adrian Pahtayken, 36, of Lloydminster, Jessica Myo, 31,of North Battleford and Roger Couston, 35, of Lloydminster, have all been charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking as well.

Vandale has been remanded into custody awaiting court on May 6, 202. All others of the accuses have been released, and their court appearances will come at a later date.

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Brachmann says targeted operations will continue

“The Lloydminster RCMP will continue to target those involved in gang activity in and around our community” said Inspector Lee Brachmann, Officer in Charge of the Lloydminster RCMP in a statement. “Our intelligence led approach allows us to put additional emphasis on street level gangs, which have been identified as a policing priority for our city”.

The RCMP is also issuing phone numbers for people in a gang looking to leave that life. They say people in this situation can contact STR8 UP in northern Saskatchewan at 306-763-3001, STR8 UP in central Saskatchewan at 306-244-1771, or Regina Treaty Status Indian Services in southern Saskatchewan at 306-522-7494 to get assistance.

Anyone wanting to report suspicious activity is encouraged to continue calling 911, their local police or RCMP detachment and CrimeStoppers, if they wish to remain anonymous.

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