By CHIEF ROBERT DUTTCHEN, Corman Park Police Service
On the afternoon of May 4, Corman Park Police Service (CPPS) and several RCMP units were dispatched to a report of an inmate who had fled from an institutional work crew. Units established containment, and a police K9 attended the scene. Shortly after 5:00 p.m., a passerby alerted CPPS members to a suspicious male in a nearby field. An officer attended and located the inmate, who was taken into custody without incident. The suspect was subsequently turned over to the RCMP to be processed on new charges for escaping lawful custody.
Shortly after 9:00 p.m. that same day, CPPS responded to a report of a grass fire in the Furdale Dog Park. The reporting person indicated he had attended the park to set off fireworks for his son’s birthday. The fireworks ignited the grass, which spread at an exceptionally fast rate and quickly became out of control. The Saskatoon Fire Department responded, and CPPS deployed its drone to assist in tracking the fire and coordinating the response. With persistent dry conditions throughout the RM, residents are reminded that fire danger remains high in many areas. Please check the RM website regularly for the latest information regarding fire bans.
In the early morning hours of May 5, CPPS members were patrolling the area of Range Road 3061 and Township Road 372 when a vehicle drew their attention due to its manner of driving. A traffic stop was initiated. At the roadside, officers formed the opinion that the driver’s ability to operate a motor vehicle was impaired by drugs. The driver was arrested, and a demand for an oral fluid sample was made. As the male exited the vehicle, a small Ziploc bag containing a white powder residue was observed. The suspect was also arrested for possession of a controlled substance. Ultimately, the suspect refused to provide an oral fluid sample and was charged accordingly. The accused’s vehicle was impounded, he was issued an appearance notice, and he was provided a courtesy ride to a location in Saskatoon.
On May 6 at approximately 1:30 p.m., CPPS responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle in the vicinity of Range Road 3042 and Township Road 363. Police located a Ford F-150 with no licence plate parked adjacent to the roadway. A check of the vehicle identification number confirmed it had been stolen from Saskatoon. Stolen vehicles are often taken from the city and parked in rural areas for later use in criminal activity. CPPS encourages residents to report vehicles that appear out of place, have missing licence plates, or show signs of tampering with locks or ignitions. By locating and seizing stolen vehicles, police can disrupt further criminal activity.
Just before 10:00 p.m. on May 7, police received a report of a suspicious vehicle near the SaskPower substation on Range Road 3061. CPPS attended and located a Chrysler 300 with two occupants inside a running vehicle. The officer spoke with the driver, who indicated he had been drinking. A demand for a breath sample was made, and the driver registered a “fail” on the approved screening device. He was arrested for impaired operation and transported to the Martensville RCMP Detachment, where he provided two breath samples of 80 mg%. The accused’s vehicle was impounded, he was issued a driving prohibition, and he was released with a notice to appear in court.
Later that afternoon, CPPS members attended the Ranch Ehrlo 60th Anniversary Fun Run. Members met with staff, directors, and youth from the organization and even participated in a game of pickup basketball. The youth defeated the police by a score of 5 to 1. The Chief suffered severe exhaustion but is expected to make a full recovery.
On Saturday, May 9, CPPS received a report of a missing horse in the Beaver Creek area. Details of the missing palomino were shared with the community, and the horse was located nearby. Arrangements were made to return the wandering animal home safely.
On the afternoon of May 10, CPPS responded to a report of a baler fire in the vicinity of Range Road 3080 and Township Road 372. Upon arrival, Langham Fire Department crews were actively engaged. CPPS assisted by securing resources from Public Works, controlling traffic, and deploying a drone in support of firefighting operations. Working in coordination with fire personnel, members also prepared for the potential evacuation of nearby properties. RM of Corman Park Public Works dispatched a grader to assist. Members remained on scene until the fire was brought under control.
Shortly after the dinner hour that same day, CPPS members patrolling in Langham observed a vehicle being operated erratically. A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver displayed signs of drug impairment. A demand for an oral fluid sample was made, which returned a positive result for cocaine. The driver was issued a three-day driving prohibition, and the vehicle was impounded for the same duration.