On November 22, 2024 at approximately 4 p.m., Saskatchewan RCMP received a request to be on the lookout for an SUV reported as stolen in the City of Prince Albert.
Later that afternoon, Smeaton RCMP received a report of a suspicious vehicle matching the SUV's description. Officers located it on Highway #55 between Smeaton and Nipawin, activated their emergency lights and attempted a traffic stop. The vehicle did not stop and continued on at a high rate of speed. Officers engaged Carrot River RCMP, who also attempted a traffic stop further east on Highway #55. The vehicle did not stop and continued on at a high rate of speed.
Investigation determined the vehicle turned onto Highway #123, entering Cumberland House RCMP's detachment area. Officers set up a tire deflation device. The SUV drove over it and continued on at a slow rate of speed with damaged tires (an attached photo shows how damaged the tires were). Officers boxed it in, and it rammed a police vehicle before coming to a stop. The four occupants of the SUV were arrested. No officers reported injuries and the police vehicle was not significantly damaged. Officers located and seized a large amount of ammunition from the vehicle.
As a result of continued investigation, 28-year-old Jamyn Crawford from Prince Albert, 25-year-old Bryce Bird from Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation, and 27-year-old Kayla Cook from Prince Albert are each charged with:
- one count, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, Section 354(1)(a), Criminal Code; and
- one count, possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000, Section 354(1)(a), Criminal Code.
Jamyn Crawford is also charged with:
- one count, flight from peace officer, Section 320.17, Criminal Code;
- three counts, fail to comply with release order condition, Section 145(5)(a), Criminal Code;
- two counts, fail to comply with probation order, Section 733.1(1), Criminal Code; and
- one count, possession of weapon contrary to order, Section 117.01(1), Criminal Code.
Jamyn Crawford was also arrested on warrants from Prince Albert Police Service and for breach of a conditional sentence order.
Bryce Bird is also charged with two counts, possession of weapon contrary to order, Section 117.01(1), Criminal Code.
Crawford and Bird are scheduled to appear in La Ronge Provincial Court on November 25, 2024. Kayla Cook is scheduled to appear in court in Cumberland House on December 17.
Cumberland House RCMP initially took a fourth individual into custody, who misrepresented herself to police throughout their interactions with her. She was released on conditions pending a future court appearance. As a result of continued investigation, 31-year-old Samantha Bird from Prince Albert is charged with:
- one count, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, Section 354(1)(a), Criminal Code;
- one count, possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000, Section 354(1)(a), Criminal Code;
- two counts, fail to comply with release order condition, Section 354(1)(a), Criminal Code;
- one count, obstruct peace officer, Section 129(a), Criminal Code; and
- one count, fraudulently personate another person with intent to avoid arrest or prosecution, Section 403(d), Criminal Code.
A warrant has been issued for her arrest and Cumberland House RCMP is working to locate her.
She is described as approximately 5'8" and 130 lbs. She has black hair and brown eyes. A photo of her is attached. She also goes by the last name 'Freeman'.
If you've seen Samantha Bird, contact your local police of jurisdiction. Dial 310-RCMP to reach your local RCMP detachment. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.