By CHIEF ROB DUTTCHEN, Corman Park Police Service
With the arrival of spring, we often see not only changing weather but also a wide range of calls for service across the RM. The past week was no exception, with files that reflect both the routine and the unusual nature of policing in our community.
On the afternoon of April 19, the Corman Park Police Service (CPPS) received a report of an abandoned trailer on the 8th Street extension near Range Road 3041. Officers attended and determined the trailer belonged to a Saskatoon business and had been stolen from a worksite the previous evening. Thanks to timely reporting and follow-up, the trailer was recovered and secured for return to its owner.
Shortly after midnight on April 20, CPPS members patrolling Township Road 372 behind the Saskatoon airport came across a vehicle that had left the roadway and become stuck in a water-filled ditch. The vehicle was lodged deep enough that its wheels were partially submerged, with three occupants still inside. Officers ensured everyone was safely removed from the vehicle and later transported to their residences. The registered owner was contacted but was uncooperative. This matter remains under investigation.
Around noon on April 22, a CPPS member on patrol observed a pickup truck travelling on Range Road 3054A in a manner that drew attention. As the officer approached, the driver attempted to evade police by turning onto nearby private property. A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver was found to be the subject of an outstanding warrant for driving while prohibited. The individual was taken into custody without incident and later released by Martensville RCMP on an appearance notice and related offence notices.
During the early evening hours of April 23, CPPS received a concerning report of mutilated animal carcasses in the area of Range Road 3063. Officers attended and confirmed the presence of two carcasses that had been skinned, with heads and hooves removed. Given the nature of the incident, Saskatchewan Conservation Officers were notified and have assumed responsibility for the investigation.
On April 24, CPPS worked in partnership with RM permits and bylaw enforcement regarding a temporary structure erected for a planned circus event. Following an inspection, the structure was deemed unsafe for public occupancy. Officers attended alongside the RM bylaw officer to serve a Building Official’s Order under The Construction Codes Act. In the interest of public safety, the event was cancelled, and the structure was subsequently dismantled in compliance with the order.
Shortly after midnight on April 26, CPPS responded to assist with a vehicle pursuit involving a suspect fleeing from Saskatoon. Members of the Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) successfully brought the vehicle to a stop using a deliberate vehicle contact technique. Several individuals were taken into custody.
During the arrest of one suspect, the individual produced an edged weapon and inflicted serious injuries to his own upper body. Officers from both SPS and CPPS immediately provided life-saving first aid until Emergency Medical Services arrived. The individual was transported to Royal University Hospital for emergency surgery. Medical staff later advised that the quick actions of officers on scene played a critical role in saving the individual’s life.
Later that same evening, at approximately 10:00 p.m., CPPS assisted RCMP at the scene of a three-vehicle collision on Highway 12 near the Highway 11 overpass. During the investigation, officers formed the opinion that one of the drivers was impaired by drugs. An oral fluid demand was made, resulting in a positive test for both cocaine and THC. The driver was issued a 72-hour licence suspension, and the vehicle was impounded.
At approximately 11:20 p.m., CPPS responded to a broadcast from RCMP dispatch regarding a possible impaired driver travelling toward Saskatoon on Highway 219. An officer located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. Upon speaking with the driver, an odour of cannabis was detected. An oral fluid demand was administered, which returned a positive result for THC. The driver received a three-day licence suspension and vehicle impound.
As always, CPPS remains committed to working with our policing partners and the community to ensure public safety across the RM.
We encourage residents to continue reporting suspicious activity and to make safe, responsible choices on our roadways as we move further into the busy spring season.