July 27, 2023
Onion Lake Cree Nation, Saskatchewan
On July 27, 2023, at approximately 9:16 a.m., Onion Lake RCMP responded to the report that Randy Cooke was in possession of a firearm and causing damage at a residence in the Molson Hill area in Onion Lake Cree Nation. Cooke departed the residence prior to police arrival and was believed to still be armed with a firearm.
Onion Lake RCMP located Cooke walking outside and he appeared to be in possession of a firearm. Cooke ignored verbal commands from the officers to drop the firearm and ran toward a wooded area.
Onion Lake RCMP immediately set up a perimeter to secure the area and help maintain public and officer safety. Additional Saskatchewan RCMP resources were called to assist including officers from the Turtleford RCMP Detachment, Kitscoty RCMP Detachment, and the Critical Incident Response Team, which encompasses the Emergency Response Team and Police Dog Services. Onion Lake RCMP worked in conjunction with local band security to re-route traffic and to help ensure the safety of motorists. A dangerous person alert was issued on the SaskAlert website to inform the community of the incidents and instructions to maintain personal safety.
Officers worked together in the search for Cooke and cleared the wooded area and surrounding outbuildings.
At approximately 4:10 p.m., officers received a tip from a member of the public that Cooke was inside a nearby residence. Officers responded immediately and located Cooke. He was arrested without incident and taken into police custody. Officers are working to identify and locate the weapon Cooke was initially reported to be in possession of.
Cooke is scheduled to make his first court appearance in North Battleford via CCTV on July 28, 2023, in relation to the following charges, in addition to previous outstanding charges:
- Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose, contrary to Sec. 88 of the Criminal Code; and
- Mischief under $5000, contrary to Sec. 430(4) of the Criminal Code.
Onion Lake RCMP is thankful for all the support received from local partners, responding units and residents in the Onion Lake community.
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Backgrounder
Update 3: CANCELLED Saskatchewan RCMP issue dangerous person alert for Onion Lake Cree Nation
2023-07-27
Randy Cooke was located and arrested by police in the Onion Lake Cree Nation community at approximately 4:30 p.m.
The SaskAlert has been cancelled as there is no public safety risk to the community in relation to this incident.
The investigation is ongoing.
Update 2: Saskatchewan RCMP issue dangerous person alert for Onion Lake Cree Nation
2023-07-27
There continues to be an increased police presence in the Onion Lake Cree Nation community as officers work diligently to locate Randy Cooke.
The SaskAlert remains active and residents in the Onion Lake Cree Nation community are encouraged to continue to follow the public safety instructions on the SaskAlert website until further notice. If an increased risk to public safety is identified, we will notify the public.
Onion Lake RCMP is working closely with local band security and additional Saskatchewan RCMP resources who have been engaged to help maintain the safety of motorists and residents in the community.
Onion Lake RCMP would again like to thank residents in the community for their continued patience and for providing officers with the space required to conduct a thorough investigation in search for Randy Cooke.
An update will be provided as soon as more information becomes available.
Update 1: Saskatchewan RCMP issue dangerous person alert for Onion Lake Cree Nation
2023-07-27
There continues to be an increased police presence in the Onion Lake Cree Nation community as officers work to locate Randy Cooke.
Officers will be in the community for an undetermined amount of time. Officers are asking residents to stay clear of the area where police are present and to continue to follow the public safety instructions provided in the dangerous person alert issued this morning on the SaskAlert website.
Additional Saskatchewan RCMP resources have been engaged to assist with the investigation, including Turtleford RCMP and the Critical Incident Response Team, which encompasses the Emergency Response Team and Police Dog Services.
Onion Lake RCMP is working in conjunction with local band security to re-route traffic and to help ensure the safety of motorists.
Officers are thankful to the residents in the community for their patience and for providing the space required to conduct a thorough investigation.
An update will be provided as soon as more information becomes available. If an increased risk to public safety is identified, we will notify the public.
Saskatchewan RCMP issue dangerous person alert for Onion Lake Cree Nation
2023-07-27
Dangerous Person Alert is being issued by Onion Lake RCMP. Male suspect is identified as 35-year-old Randy Cooke. He is 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs approximately 160 lbs. He has brushed-cut black hair and brown eyes. Last known to be carrying a firearm and traveling by foot.
Direction of travel is unknown at this time.
DO NOT APPROACH suspect. Those in Onion Lake Cree Nation area stay inside and away from windows. Do not leave a secure location. Don't pick up hitchhikers. Avoid travel to or within Onion Lake Cree Nation. Report emergencies or tips: call 911. Additional alert information is on the SaskAlert App or at www.saskalert.ca
