(File photo/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Court proceedings

Second suspect caught after home invasion in Big River

Aug 1, 2025 | 10:46 AM

A man wanted after a violent home invasion in Big River has been caught and will spend the long weekend behind bars.

On July 16, Big River RCMP, with the assistance of Saskatchewan RCMP’s Prince Albert Warrant Enforcement Suppression Team (WEST), arrested 51-year-old Cole Hegland at a rural property in the Rural Municipality of Big River.

Inside the residence, officers also located and seized a firearm. Hegland will appear at Prince Albert Provincial Court on Aug. 6.

On April 11, 2025, at approximately 2:00 p.m., Big River RCMP received a report that a serious assault had occurred at a residence in Big River, and the victim was being transported to hospital.

Officers immediately attended the residence and the investigation determined that two men entered the residence and assaulted a male occupant with a weapon. The victim’s injuries were described as non-life-threatening.

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Officers also located and seized various weapons at the residence, but did not locate the two suspects.

Otis Watier, 45, of Lashburn, was arrested later that day and charged with break and enter, aggravated assault, and uttering threats.

In relation to the assault Hegland was also charged with break and enter and aggravated assault.

And in relation to the arrest, Hegland was additionally charged with unsafe storage of a firearm and possession of a firearm when knowing possession was unauthorized.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Blue Sky: @nigelmaxwell.bsky.social