On May 17, 2023 at approximately 8:10 p.m., Battlefords RCMP received a report of an assault on Moosomin First Nation.
Officers immediately responded. Investigation determined an altercation occurred between an adult male and an adult female. A firearm was discharged and the female was injured. The male left in a vehicle. The female was taken to hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening.
Officers began patrolling the area to locate the male. At approximately 11:45 p.m., officers from the Battlefords RCMP Gang Task Force located a grey Ford F-350 Super Duty truck. On May 16, Saskatchewan RCMP had advised the public to report sightings of this same vehicle, which investigators had connected to several incidents in west-central and central Saskatchewan during the previous few days. Investigation determined this truck was also connected to the assault reported on Moosomin First Nation.
Officers activated their emergency lights and attempted a traffic stop. The truck did not stop and continued on through local roads, several fields, then on to Territorial Drive in North Battleford. It came to stop in a ditch. Two occupants were arrested without incident. A third fled on foot. Officers patrolled the area and arrested an individual a short time later. This individual was later released without charge.
As a result of continued investigation by the Saskatchewan RCMP's North Battleford Provincial General Investigation Section, Battlefords RCMP Gang Task Force and Battlefords, Maidstone, Cut Knife, Biggar and Warman detachments, charges have been laid into this incident, as well as in relation to the following:
- A May 14 robbery in Maidstone.
- Two flight from police incidents – one on Poundmaker Cree Nation on May 15 and one in North Battleford on May 16.
- A May 16 theft at a rural property in the RM of Glenside. Investigation determined individuals stole fuel from a tractor and discharged a firearm when fleeing the property.
In relation to all listed incidents, 48-year-old Leonard Wuttunee from Moosomin First Nation is charged with:
- two counts, robbery/theft, Section 344, Criminal Code;
- one count, reckless discharge of a firearm, Section 244.4(3), Criminal Code;
- one count, mischief, Section 430(4), Criminal Code;
- one count, carry a weapon for the purpose of committing an offence, Section 88(2), Criminal Code;
- one count, flight from police, Section 320.17, Criminal Code;
- two counts, possession of the proceeds of crime over $5,000, Section 354(1)(a), Criminal Code.
- two counts, discharge firearm with intent, Section 244, Criminal Code;
- two counts, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, Section 88, Criminal Code;
- one count, pointing a firearm, Section 87(2), Criminal Code;
- one count, assault causing bodily harm, Section 267(b), Criminal Code;
- one count, weapons possession contrary to order, Section 117.01(3), Criminal Code; and
- one count, unauthorized possession of a firearm, Section 117.01(3), Criminal Code;
In relation to the May 14 Maidstone incident and May 17 Battlefords incident, 44-year-old Veronica Whitford from Battleford is charged with:
- one count, robbery, Section 344, Criminal Code;
- one count, reckless discharge of a firearm, Section 244.4(3), Criminal Code;
- one count, mischief, Section 430(4), Criminal Code;
- one count, flight from police, Section 320.17, Criminal Code; and
- one count, possession of the proceeds of crime over $5,000, Section 354(1)(a), Criminal Code
They are scheduled to appear in North Battleford Provincial Court on May 24, 2023.
In relation to all listed incidents, 34-year-old Dennis Kennedy from Red Pheasant First Nation is charged with:
- two counts, robbery/theft, Section 344, Criminal Code;
- one count, reckless discharge of a firearm, Section 244.4(3), Criminal Code;
- one count, mischief, Section 430(4), Criminal Code;
- one count, carry a weapon for the purpose of committing an offence, Section 88(2), Criminal Code;
- two counts, flight from police, Section 320.17, Criminal Code;
- two counts, possession of the proceeds of crime over $5,000, Section 354(1)(a), Criminal Code.
- one count, discharge firearm with intent, Section 244, Criminal Code;
- one count, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, Section 88, Criminal Code;
- one count, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, Section 320.13(1), Criminal Code;
- one count, resist arrest, Section 129(a), Criminal Code; and
- one count, fail to comply with release order condition, Section 145(5)(a), Criminal Code.
A warrant has been issued for his arrest and Saskatchewan RCMP are actively working to locate and arrest him. If you see Dennis Kennedy, don't approach him. Contact police immediately.
Dennis Kennedy is described as approximately 6'2" and 180 lbs with black hair and brown eyes.
If you see Dennis Kennedy or know where he is, contact Battlefords RCMP at 306-446-1720. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.