Saskatchewan RCMP crime analysts link series of incidents across Western Canada – seeking public assistance

August 4, 2022
Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan

News release

Images

A male wearing sunglasses on his head, light sweater and dark pants
The female is described as having blonde hair with dark roots and a slim build.

Between July 8 and 10, 2022, Saskatchewan RCMP investigated a series of incidents in southern/central Saskatchewan, including thefts of vehicles and the ramming of a police vehicle (a video was released of this).

As part of the ongoing investigation, Morse RCMP asked Saskatchewan RCMP crime analysts with the Saskatchewan RCMP Crime Prevention and Crime Reduction Unit to see if there were other related incidents. After a thorough review of files, the crime analysts concluded there may be at least 23 connected incidents, which occurred between July 6 and 16, 2022 in central and southern Saskatchewan, Hanna, AB and Kelowna, BC.

They include:

  • thefts of vehicles in Yorkton, Kipling, Tyner and Bethune, SK
  • stolen vehicles recovered in Chamberlain, Yorkton and Tyner, SK and Kelowna, BC
  • fuel thefts in Viscount, Wynyard and Chaplin, SK
  • flight from police officers in Whitewood, Foam Lake, Yorkton, Belle Plain and Swift Current, SK
  • thefts from vehicles in Regina
  • use of a stolen credit card in Hanna, AB

RCMP in the three provinces continue to investigate. Saskatchewan RCMP have identified two persons of interest. The male is described as having blonde hair, a slim build and a tattoo on the left side of his neck. We don't have a further description of that tattoo at this time. The female is described as having blonde hair with dark roots and a slim build.

Anyone who recognizes them is asked to contact their local RCMP detachment or police of jurisdiction. Information can also be reported anonymously to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477.

"Because the RCMP is the provincial police force in Western Canadian provinces – and given the interprovincial nature of some crime – the work of our crime analysts is critical to help identify crime trends and advance investigations," says Monica Deters, acting officer in charge of the Saskatchewan RCMP's Crime Prevention and Crime Reduction Unit. "We now know that this string of July incidents is connected and we've been able to identify two individuals police officers would like to speak to. Take a look at these photos – if you recognize them, please report it to police or Crime Stoppers."

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Backgrounder

Saskatchewan RCMP investigating after police vehicle struck, vehicles stolen in multiple communities

2022-07-19

On July 8, 2022 at approximately 5:15 p.m., Wynyard RCMP received a report of a theft of fuel at a business in Wynyard. Officers responded and located the suspect vehicle, a pick-up truck. They engaged their emergency lights and pulled up behind the truck, which then rammed into the police vehicle. The driver would not exit the truck and struck two additional parked vehicles before driving away, hitting the drivers front corner of the police vehicle again. No injuries were reported.

The truck fled, driving eastbound on Highway #16.

Wynyard RCMP alerted neighbouring detachments about the pick-up truck. Yorkton RCMP officers located the truck several times in Yorkton, activated their emergency lights and attempted traffic stops. The truck did not stop, sometimes fleeing at a high rate of speed. At approximately 10:45 p.m., Yorkton RCMP located the truck, abandoned, on Eden Road, southeast of Dunleath. Further investigation has determined the truck was reported stolen in Broadview on July 6 and its license plate was reported stolen from Springside on July 8.

Later on July 8, 2022, Yorkton RCMP received a report of a theft of a white SUV from a rural property outside of Yorkton. Investigation determined this theft may be connected to the incidents earlier in the day.

On July 9, 2022, Kyle RCMP received a report of a theft of a black Ford F-150 pick-up truck from a rural property in Tyner, SK. Investigation determined this theft may be connected to the incidents from July 8.

On July 10, 2022, the white SUV was found abandoned in Eston, SK.

Saskatchewan RCMP, including the Wynyard, Yorkton, Broadview, Kindersley and Kyle detachments, continues to investigate these incidents.

If you see a black, 2013 Ford F-150 with Saskatchewan license plate 728JSD, do not approach it. If you saw the truck in the photos on July 8 and/or the individual(s) in the vehicle, please report this information to police. Contact your local RCMP detachment by calling 310-RCMP or call 911 in an emergency. Information can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

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