Police in Pierceland have held two suspects after the combined efforts of three detachments, police dogs and provincial services.
RCMP say on April 19th at about 7:55 a.m. they got a report of a suspicious vehicle on Big Island Lake Cree Territory.
Officers say they found the suspect vehicle south of the community, but when they put on their siren to stop the vehicle, police say it drove away at high speed. The officers continued to search for the vehicle and shortly after, saw it on a rural road in the RM of Beaver River. The vehicle accelerated and drove straight towards the police vehicle, swerving at the last second and speeding away.
At about 8:35 a.m., Pierceland RCMP received a report that two men described to be in a similar suspect vehicle tried to steal fuel from a home in the RM of Beaver River before they fled again.
RCMP officers from Meadow Lake, Loon Lake, Meadow Lake Police Dog Services and conservation officers with the Provincial Protective Services Branch, continued to search for the suspects.
At about 8:50 a.m., officers found the suspect vehicle, which once again accelerated and drove straight towards a police vehicle, swerving at the last second and continuing to drive away quickly. Shortly after, officers located the vehicle abandoned on Highway 55, just east of Beacon Hill. It was determined the vehicle had been reported stolen to Lloydminster RCMP on April 18th.
“The two males, who had fled on foot, were located and arrested around 10:30 a.m. approximately two kilometers from where they abandoned their vehicle,” says Cpl. David Horton, acting Pierceland RCMP Detachment Commander. “Their arrest was the culmination of an extensive hour-long search through snow-filled brush and fields. This is an example of the excellent collaboration between RCMP, RCMP Police Dog Services, and the Provincial Protective Services Branch.”
Josh McLaren (DOB: 1990-06-13) of Lloydminster, Saskatchewan was arrested on a Canada-wide warrant for alleged parole violation. He is also facing additional charges for alleged:
- One count, assault with weapon
- One count, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle
- One count, flight from peace officer
- One count, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
- One count, theft under $5000
- One count, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
The second suspect, Michael Fisher (DOB:1984-12-10) of Lashburn is charged with alleged:
- One count, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
- One count, theft under $5000
- One count, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
Both suspects will appear in Pierceland Provincial Court on May 10th at 10:00 a.m.