A routine check on a suspicious vehicle near the Patience Lake mine led to the seizure of a sawed-off shotgun, multiple firearms charges, and a driving suspension, after Corman Park Police Service (CPPS) officers and the Saskatoon RCMP worked side by side to bring the investigation to a safe conclusion.
Corman Park Police Chief Robert Duttchen said on July 11, at approximately 1:20 p.m., CPPS and the Saskatoon RCMP responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle near the Patience Lake mine. Officers located and stopped the vehicle just off Highway 5. During the course of the investigation, the driver was found to be operating the vehicle while impaired by a drug, after performing poorly on a roadside Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST).
A subsequent search of the vehicle turned up a sawed-off 12-gauge shotgun, tucked into the vehicle’s interior (photo below).
All four occupants of the vehicle were arrested at the scene while the investigation unfolded. A 50-year-old man later claimed ownership of the firearm. Because he is prohibited from possessing any firearm under an existing prohibition order, he now faces multiple firearms charges. He was transported by the Saskatoon RCMP, where he was processed and remanded into custody to await an appearance before a Hearing Officer.
The driver, another male occupant, was determined to be impaired by a controlled drug. His driver’s licence was suspended, and the vehicle was impounded.
No further information is being released at this time as the matter proceeds through the judicial process.
Duttchen said CPPS extends its sincere thanks to the Saskatoon RCMP for their prompt and professional response in this matter.
“Our members work closely with RCMP partners on files of this nature, and their readiness to assume command of criminal matters — including transporting and processing individuals in custody — made for a smooth and safe resolution to this investigation,” said Duttchen. ”That kind of responsiveness reflects the strength of the working relationship between our agencies, and it does not go unnoticed by our members or our community.”
DuttcheIt added that it is worth noting that CPPS officers are fully trained, sworn police officers equipped to investigate matters like this one from start to finish. Under the Order in Council that currently governs CPPS operations, certain aspects of criminal investigations require the involvement of the RCMP.
“We are grateful the relationship works as well as it does — and we remain committed to open conversations with our policing partners and the public about how CPPS can best serve the region moving forward,” said Duttchen.
CPPS would like to remind the public that if you see a vehicle or activity that seems out of place, trust your instincts and call it in. This file is a good example of how those calls can make a real difference.