On April 23, 2024 at approximately 4:30 p.m., investigation by Waskesiu/Montreal Lake RCMP determined a wanted male was in a residence on Montreal Lake Cree Nation.
As Waskesiu/Montreal Lake RCMP and Saskatchewan RCMP's Meadow Lake Crime Reduction Team approached the residence, two males ran out and got into a vehicle. Officers blocked the vehicle from leaving and the males ran into a nearby wooded area.
Officers worked to locate the males. They observed them in the woods, wading across a river.
With the assistance of Saskatchewan RCMP's Critical Incident Response Team, Prince Albert Warrant Enforcement and Suppression Team, Police Dog Services, Containment Team, Remote Piloted Aircraft System, as well as Saskatoon Police Service's Air Support Unit, the males were located in the forest and arrested without incident at approximately 8:30 p.m.
The males appeared to be suffering from exposure to the elements and were provided first aid by Saskatchewan RCMP's Emergency Medical Response Team.
Officers located and seized approximately 3.5 grams of crack-cocaine and a large sum of cash in one of the male's possession during the arrests.
During a subsequent search of the SUV the males tried to flee in, officers located and seized a loaded shotgun with a defaced serial number, ammunition, 20 grams of methamphetamine, two batons, a can of bear spray and trafficking paraphernalia.
As a result of continued investigation, 23-year-old Tyrese Smith and 32-year-old Craig McDonald, both from Montreal Lake Cree Nation, are each charged with:
- two counts, possession for the purpose of trafficking, Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;
- one count, possession of the proceeds of crimes, Section 354(1)(a), Criminal Code;
- one count, possession of a firearm knowingly without license, Section 92(1), Criminal Code;
- one count, occupy a vehicle with a firearm, Section 94(1), Criminal Code;
- one count, possession of a firearm with the serial number removed, Section 108(1)(b), Criminal Code;
- two counts, possession of a firearm while prohibited, Section 111.01(1), Criminal Code;
- three counts, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, Section 88, Criminal Code; and
- one count, resist arrest, Section 129(a), Criminal Code.
Smith was also arrested on a Canada-wide warrant from Correctional Service Canada for breach of statutory release conditions, and from Saskatoon Police Service for being unlawfully at large.
"These males, one on a Canada-wide warrant and one just released from jail a couple of weeks ago, were determined to evade police. They ran – with no shirts or shoes on – into a thick wooded area, even crossing a frigid river in an attempt to avoid arrest," says Insp. Jeff Smoliak from Saskatchewan RCMP's Saskatchewan Enforcement Response Team. "We have the investigational knowledge and technology to locate individuals, even in rugged terrain. Through the teamwork of Waskesiu/Montreal Lake RCMP, multiple Saskatchewan RCMP units, as well as Saskatoon Police Service's Air Support Unit, the males were arrested, and an illegal firearm and illicit drugs were removed from the community of Montreal Lake."
McDonald and Smith appeared in Prince Albert Provincial Court on April 25, 2024.