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(File Photo/paNOW Staff)

Man charged after two vehicles stolen at gunpoint

Apr 8, 2022 | 10:12 AM

One man is being charged after an investigation revealed he was involved in two separate incidents of vehicles being stolen at gunpoint.

No injuries were reported in the March 5 and March 17 incidents and an investigation determined the man was involved in both incidents and as a result.

A warrant for arrest was issued for Brandon Whitefish of Big River First Nation. Big River RCMP and the Saskatchewan RCMP’s North Battleford Crime Reduction Team (CRT) was active in trying to locate him and on April 2 he was found in a vehicle on Highway 55. The vehicle did not stop for lights and sirens and Whitefish drove to a residence on Big River First Nation where he was arrested a short time later.

Brandon Whitefish has been charged with:

  • two counts, robbery with firearm;
  • two counts, pointing a firearm;
  • one count, uttering threats against a person;
  • two counts, unauthorized possession of a firearm/prohibited weapon or restricted weapon;
  • one count, mischief under $5,000;
  • two counts, possession of weapon contrary to order and fail to surrender authorization;
  • one count, flight from peace officer;
  • one count, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle;
  • one count, operation of a motor vehicle while prohibited;
  • one count, resist/obstruct peace officer;

Whitefish has been remanded into custody until his next appearance in Prince Albert Provincial Court on April 13.

“Big River RCMP is committed to ensuring the safety of our communities. We will investigate and arrest those who choose to disrupt this safety with criminal activity,” Sgt. Heath Robinson, Big River RCMP’s commander said in a media release. “Investigators worked diligently to investigate these robberies and lay charges. I’m also grateful for the assistance and expertise of other Saskatchewan RCMP units in these investigations.”

“The North Battleford CRT, one aspect of Saskatchewan RCMP’s new Saskatchewan Enforcement Response Team (SERT), supplemented the excellent work by the Big River RCMP on this investigation,” says Insp. Glenn Church, officer in charge of SERT. “This is an example of the power of collaboration between Saskatchewan RCMP detachments and support units like SERT – together we will remove criminals from communities.”

Big River RCMP have charged two additional individuals in relation to the March 5 incident. Warrants have been issued for Joseph Rabbitskin, 41, and Chantelle Lachance, 30, both of Big River First Nation and Big River RCMP are actively working to locate and arrest them. They are both charged with:

  • one count, robbery with firearm;
  • one count, unauthorized possession of a firearm/prohibited weapon or restricted weapon;

If you have information on their whereabouts, call your local RCMP detachment at 310-RCMP. Information can also be reported anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

panews@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow

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