On July 30, numerous reports were received about a black Chevrolet Silverado pick-up truck being driven erratically in the area of Saddle Lake, according to an RCMP press release. RCMP attempted to stop the vehicle but was led on a pursuit for over 20 km through the reserve.
The chase reached speeds as high as 160 km/h before the driver lost control and slid into a ditch, according to police. The driver and two passengers fled on foot but were apprehended a short distance later.
The driver was charged with impaired operation of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving, operation of a motor vehicle while being pursued by police and resisting arrest. He was also wanted on outstanding warrants for being unlawfully at large and theft of a motor vehicle.
The two passengers also face a number of charges. A 30-year-old male of Saddle Lake faces one count of resisting arrest and three counts of breach of recognizance. The other passenger, a 17-year-old male of Saddle Lake, was wanted on a Canada-wide warrant for being unlawfully at large and is charged with one count of resisting arrest and breach of probation.
RCMP evaluated numerous risk factors before deciding to apprehend the vehicle.
“There are checks and balances in place to ensure that when pursuits do occur, that we strive to minimize the risk to the general public as much as possible,” said St. Paul detachment spokesman Cst. Sam Montasser. RCMP received numerous complaints about the driver thoughout the day, influencing the decision to pursue the vehicle, he said.
RCMP evaluated the safety of the public would not be jeopardized and used an independent pursuit coordinator to assess the situation. Based on information regarding traffic density, weather and other factors, an independent pursuit coordinator assessed the risks during the operation to allow the pursuit to continue.
