A male is charged after an incident that unfolded north of Prince Albert on Tuesday – note this is a separate incident from the releases we have been sending updates about in Prince Albert Detachment area.
An SUV was reported stolen from the Prince Albert Detachment area during the afternoon of Tuesday, August 10, 2021. The vehicle was reported to have firearms in it and was located abandoned in a wooded area near Macdowall. A report from a member of the public indicated a male carrying a firearm was walking southbound along a wooded trail on the edge of the Nesbitt Forest in this same area.
Prince Albert RCMP and RCMP Police Dog Services responded to the scene and began a search for the male that extended into the evening. Saskatoon Police Service was contacted and asked if they would be able to provide air support to help locate the individual. They were successful in spotting the individual in a heavily wooded, remote area southeast of Macdowall. A 35-year-old male was arrested without further incident by police officers and a firearm was seized from the scene.
"The teamwork between all involved units and officers was ultimately what led this investigation to a safe resolution for everyone involved," shares Insp. Murray Chamberlin, North District RCMP Operations Officer. "Imagine being in full police uniform with all your safety equipment and gear on, running through the woods and down makeshift trails for six kilometers with an RCMP police service dog in the darkness. You're being guided by partners in the air and supported by additional officers on the ground, running towards an individual who reportedly has a firearm. Challenging doesn't begin to describe situations like this. I'm extremely proud of the work of everyone involved and so thankful the situation ended without further incident."
William "Billy" Sanderson was arrested and is charged with:
· Carry a Weapon For a Dangerous Purpose – Section 88 CC
· Possession of Firearm While Prohibited – Section 117.01(1) CC
· Carry a Firearm in a Careless Manner – Section 86(1) CC
· Point Firearm – Section 87 CC
He also had multiple outstanding warrants from Melfort RCMP and Prince Albert Police Service. He appeared in court and was remanded for August 26, 2021, 10am, in Prince Albert.