By CHIEF RON CHOMYN, Corman Park Police Service

Winter outdoor activities are plentiful in Saskatchewan but the weather can cause extreme cold, obstructed vision, and thin ice or melting.   

Whether you’re driving your snowmobile, skating with friends, or ice fishing, Corman Park PS reminds you to keep safety in mind. Wear the proper safety equipment, as helmets and reflective material can help keep you safe. Check weather conditions regularly as they can change and have an emergency kit on hand if possible.   

For families enjoying sledding or tobogganing, only sled on hills that are free of obstacles like trees, rocks, and fences and respect any signs or barriers.

When out on the ice, make sure to check it is thick enough in multiple locations.  

Remember, cold can affect your gear, so check tire pressure, engines, and batteries. Before heading out into the cold, let someone know where you’re going, and when to expect you home.   

If you’re skating, sledding, or enjoying the trails, planning and taking precautions will help ensure a safe and memorable winter season.

INCIDENTS OF NOTE

On December 31 around 12:10 a.m., Saskatoon Police Service attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a black Chev Tahoe as the occupants were suspects in a robbery that occurred earlier in the night involving a stolen taxi. CPPS assisted with a tire deflation device used on Highway 16 and Township Road 390 successfully, striking the passenger tires. The vehicle continued northwest on Highway 16 and ended up becoming disabled on Range Road 3124 where police arrested three suspects.

On January 1 at 1:37 p.m., at 71st Street off Highway 11, a male driver was found to be operating a red Pontiac G3, which was involved in a motor vehicle accident, while under the influence of cocaine after testing positive on ADSE. The driver was subsequently issued a 72 hour Ddriver’s License suspension and three-day vehicle impound.

On January 1 at 10 a.m., CPPS was patrolling south bound on Highway 12 at 71st Street when he came upon a motor vehicle accident. There were no apparent injuries to any occupants and EMS declined. Both vehicles sustained serious damage and were taken away by Astro Towing. One driver was charged with disobeying a stop sign.

On January 7 at 1:40 a.m., a traffic stop was conducted by CPPS on a black GMC Yukon whose driver had an outstanding warrant out of Melfort RCMP which he was arrested for. Open alcohol was observed in the vehicle, and upon searching the immediate area, a machete and a small ziploc bag of methamphetamine was found between the driver seat and center console. Another full zip loc bag of methamphetamine and dime bags was found in the bottom compartment of the center console.

A female passenger was found to be in possession of methamphetamine on her person and a stack of dime bags and a scale with white drug residue in a black bag was found on the back seat of the SUV where she was laying at the time of the traffic stop.  Both were arrested and transported to Saskatoon RCMP detachment facing numerous weapons and drug charges.  

On January 8 at 7:50 p.m., CPPS came across a male walking on Highway 11 near 71st Street. While speaking with him, the officer noted he appeared to be suffering from the effects of hypothermia due to the cold weather conditions. As a result he was transported to RUH.

On January 13 at 3:30 a.m., RCMP DOCC put out a call for service regarding an active attempted break and enter occurring at the Langham Curling Rink. A truck was reportedly backing into the front door repeatedly, attempting to gain entry to the curling rink. CPPS attended to assist Warman RCMP. The offenders left the scene prior to police arriving, in an unknown direction.