Weekly Report: Monday, August 14 to August 20, 2023, inclusive.
Please note all information below occurred within the time period above, unless otherwise noted.
Saskatchewan RCMP – Your Provincial Police Service
A well-maintained vehicle is a safe vehicle.
That’s why Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan (CTSS) officers look for burnt-out lights, cracked windshields, window tint and other maintenance issues while they are on patrol. Since the beginning of 2018, CTSS issued 30,441 charges and 93,397 warnings to drivers in Saskatchewan for inadequate vehicle equipment violations. During that time, 35,600 drivers received vehicle defect inspection notices to have their vehicles repaired within a specified time to assure the continuance of the vehicle’s registration.
Since the beginning of 2023, CTSS has issued 4,544 charges and 13,523 warnings to drivers in Saskatchewan for inadequate vehicle equipment violations. During that time, 3,250 vehicles were issued vehicle defect inspection notices to repair the noted defect.
Here are some of the most common violations CTSS officers have observed since 2018:
- 8,332 charges and 43,817 warnings for cracked or damaged windshields. An inadequate windshield does not have the same integrity when a collision occurs, which may result in glass shards entering the cabin and injuring occupants;
- 13,332 charges and 5,243 warnings for illegal window tint on the windshield or front side windows. Window tint film reduces visibility in low-light conditions, rendering the vehicle’s operation dangerous for its occupants as well as other road users;
- 1,513 charges and 9,508 warnings for inadequate headlights, taillights, or turn signals. Inoperable vehicle lights create an increased hazard to other road users by making it more difficult to perceive a vehicle’s speed and distance, which could lead to a higher risk of collisions;
- 514 charges and 716 warnings for inadequate trailer brake systems, which could fail to activate if the trailer accidentally disconnects from a towing vehicle;
- 191 charges and 621 warnings for tires that are under-inflated, have low tread depth, or feature exposed inner construction;
- 61 charges and 189 warnings for trailers that do not have chains or other secondary attachment device adequately attached between a trailer and a towing vehicle.
“It may seem like it’s no big deal to put off getting a headlight replaced, or a windshield crack repaired. It is a big deal. Poorly-maintained or broken vehicle equipment can put your safety – and the safety of others on the road – at risk,” says S/Sgt. Kevin Williamson from CTSS. “That’s why checking for these things is an important part of the job of CTSS officers, who are patrolling the roads of Saskatchewan every day.”
Note: CTSS consists of officers from Saskatchewan RCMP and municipal police agencies.
Investigative Recap
Ongoing missing person investigations. Saskatchewan RCMP continues to ask for public assistance locating the following missing individuals:
- Seth Deschambeault – Prince Albert Detachment area
- Malcolm Custer – Smeaton Detachment area
- Branden Baptiste – Battlefords Detachment area
- Shequille “Shack” Gamble – Big River Detachment area
- Merle Wolfe – Onion Lake Detachment area
- Sheenalyn Sewap – Pelican Narrows Detachment area
- Kristopher Billette – Dillon Detachment area
- Nitanas Scarlett – Battlefords Detachment area
- Christopher Horth – Tisdale Detachment area
August 15: On August 10, 2023, Nipawin and Smeaton RCMP responded to the report of an assault with a firearm present outside of a residence in Candle Lake, SK. Upon arrival, officers located and arrested the male suspect on scene. The male was released the following morning on an undertaking.
On August 15, officers executed a search warrant at the male’s residence which resulted in the seizure of 23 firearms, a crossbow and approximately 100,000 rounds of ammunition. The male was arrested again until his next court date.
As a result of this investigation, 50-year-old Steven Mitchell of Candle Lake, SK, is facing 16 charges, some of which include:
– Pointing a firearm, Sec. 87(2) Criminal Code;
– Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, Sec. 88(2) Criminal Code;
– Assault police officer – Section 270(2) Criminal Code;
– Attempt to disarm police officer, Section 270.1(1) Criminal Code;
– Four counts, Possession of firearms knowing possession is unauthorized – Section 92(1) Criminal Code; and
– Three counts, Possession of prohibited firearm with readily accessible ammunition, Sec. 95(1)(b) Criminal Code.
Mitchell is scheduled to make his next court appearance on August 21, 2023 in Nipawin Provincial Court. Information #s: 90506448, 90512009, 90506329.
August 17: Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes advise residents of increased police presence in Broadview, SK
August 18: At approximately 10:30 p.m., Battlefords RCMP received a report of a bear spraying incident at the fairgrounds in North Battleford. Initial investigation determined an adult male deployed bear spray into a crowd at an event. The bear spray caused physical discomfort, which was not life-threatening, to three youth, who received first aid at the scene. Police believe there are additional victims who have not yet spoken to police.
Battlefords RCMP immediately responded and began searching for the suspect, who is described as having long black hair, wearing brown pants and a black hooded sweater.
Battlefords RCMP continues to investigate. Investigators would like to speak with anyone affected by bear spray at this event, as well as anyone who witnessed or captured cell phone photos or video of this incident. Contact Battlefords RCMP at 306-446-1720. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
August 19: At approximately 7:30 p.m., Dillon RCMP received a report of an injured pedestrian in Dillon. Initial investigation determined a vehicle struck a child, who was later pronounced deceased at the local clinic. The child has been identified as a 6-year-old girl from Dillon. Her family has been notified and our thoughts are with them during this difficult time. Victim services have been made available to them.
The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene. No charges have been laid. Dillon RCMP continues to investigate.
Fort Qu’Appelle RCMP investigating break and enter
Fort Qu’Appelle RCMP continue to investigate the report of break-and-enter at a business located on Broadway Street in Fort Qu’Appelle, SK. Investigation determined an unknown individual broke into the business sometime during the late evening on June 25 or early morning of June 26. Photos are attached.
The suspect is believed to be a male in his 30 to 40s, approximately 5’10” and 175 lbs, with collar-length hair. He was believed to be wearing a Pittsburgh Penguins hat, black jacket, and blue jeans. The male was travelling on foot and may be in the Fort Qu’Appelle area. The building was damaged during the break-in. The business reported a significant number of cigarettes were stolen. Saskatchewan RCMP’s Forensic Identification Service continues to assist with this investigation.
Fort Qu’Appelle RCMP continues to investigate this theft, including reviewing video surveillance and following up on information received. Fort Qu’Appelle RCMP asks members of the public to report all information about this crime. Contact Fort Qu’Appelle RCMP Detachment at 306-332-2222. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
Melfort RCMP investigate report of farming chemical theft
Melfort RCMP continue to investigate a report of a break-and-enter at a private property in the RM of Pleasantdale. Investigation determined an unknown individual(s) broke into the property sometime between the hours of 11:30 p.m. on June 12, 2023, and 1 a.m. on June 13, 2023, resulting in the theft of approximately $20,000 worth of farming chemicals.
Melfort RCMP continues to investigate this theft and requests anyone with information or surveillance footage in the community from that time frame to come forward and report it to police. If you have any information about this incident, contact Melfort RCMP at 306-752-6420. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.