The community of Saddle Lake was breathing a sigh of relief on Tuesday afternoon after an 18-year-old man who had gone missing on April 14 was found following an extensive search.
On April 15, St. Paul RCMP received a complaint of a man who had gone missing. He had reportedly left a residence on the west end of Saddle Lake Cree Nation and wandered off sometime early Sunday morning and hadn’t been seen since.
“St. Paul RCMP, with the help of RCMP ‘K’ Division Air Services and Police Dog Services, conducted an extensive search of the area where the male was last seen,” according to an RCMP press release. The 18-year-old had reportedly been drinking prior to leaving the residence, according to the release.
On Tuesday morning, a group of over 50 volunteers from the community began a ground search using snowmobiles, quads and horses and the male was located that afternoon by volunteers on horseback.
“It was discovered that the male had left the house and attempted to walk home, only to lose both of his shoes while crossing a creek. The male then stumbled upon a hunter’s blind where he found some sleeping bags that were left there,” says the release.
The man was found sleeping inside one of the sleeping bags. He was transported to the hospital in St. Paul where he received medical treatment for severe frostbite to his feet.
“St. Paul RCMP would like to thank the many volunteers who assisted in the search and congratulate them on a job well done.”
Two Hills RCMP are looking for information regarding the disappearance and possible theft of a pregnant two-year-old miniature Australian Shepherd dog. The dog, Tessa, went missing from a rural residence in Lamont County on Range Road 190 on April 17.
The dog stands 14 inches high at the shoulders, is white and grey in colour, and has a partially blue right eye. She was pregnant with a litter of puppies and was due to have them in the next six days, according to an RCMP press release.
“The coming litter was advertised online, and the puppies typically sell for $750+ each. The value of the litter could exceed $5,000 total, and may be a possible motive for the theft of the dog.”
Two Hills RCMP are seeking any information on the suspected theft and can be contacted at (780) 657-2820. Crime Stoppers can also be reached at 1-800-222-8477.
