Please note all information below occurred within the time period above, unless otherwise noted.
Saskatchewan RCMP - Your Provincial Police Service
Investigative Recap
January 22: Saskatchewan RCMP's Moose Jaw Crime Reduction Team (CRT) performed a traffic stop outside of Assiniboia, SK as part of an ongoing investigation. A firearm was seized from the vehicle. Investigation determined the firearm was illegally traded. As a result of subsequent investigation, CRT executed two search warrants – one for a vehicle and one at a residence in Willow Bunch, SK. They located and seized an illegally-possessed loaded firearm and ammunition.
An adult male was arrested at the scene.
36-year-old Matthew Pacheco from Willow Bunch is charged with:
- one count, weapons trafficking, Section 99(2), Criminal Code
- two counts, possession of a firearm knowing possession is unauthorized, Section 92(3), Criminal Code;
- three counts, careless use of a firearm, Section 86(1), Criminal Code;
- one count, possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle, Section 94(2), Criminal Code; and
- two counts, unauthorized possession of a firearm, Section 91(3), Criminal Code.
He is scheduled to appear in court in Coronach on March 14, 2024.
January 31: The Moose Jaw Crime Reduction Team (CRT) executed a search warrant at a residence in Moose Jaw as part of a drug trafficking investigation.
Officers located and seized approximately 202 grams of cocaine, a loaded hand gun, a sum of cash, and other drug trafficking paraphernalia.
An adult male was arrested at the scene without incident.
27-year-old, Hassan Salad from Edmonton, Alberta was charged with:
- one count, possession for the purpose of trafficking, Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;
- one count, careless storage of a firearm, Section 86(1), Criminal Code;
- one count, possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose, Section 88(2), Criminal Code;
- one count, unauthorized possession of a firearm/prohibited weapon, Section 92(3), Criminal Code;
- one count, possession of firearm/weapon device/ammunition in motor vehicle, Section 94(2), Criminal Code;
- one count, possession of restricted firearm/prohibited weapon with ammunition without license/registration, Section 95(2), Criminal Code; and
- one count, possession of the proceeds of crime under $5000, Section 354(1)(a), Criminal Code.
Hassan Salad is scheduled to appear in Moose Jaw Provincial Court on March 6, 2024
January 31: Gravelbourg RCMP seize drugs, a sawed-off rifle, and drug trafficking paraphernalia
February 1: Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes lay charges in homicide and attempted homicide at Saskatchewan Penitentiary
February 2: At approximately 3:50 p.m., La Ronge RCMP received a report of a vehicle that went through the ice in a remote location on Lac La Ronge. Officers immediately responded and were able to make contact with the driver, who advised she was sitting on the roof of the half-submerged vehicle with her dog.
La Ronge RCMP used a remote piloted aircraft to locate the vehicle and requested the assistance of the 4th Canadian Rangers Patrol Group, who quickly responded and helped the woman and her dog to shore. They were wet and cold, but not seriously injured. The woman was taken to hospital as a precaution.
"This is an excellent example of safety partners working quickly and seamlessly together in an emergency where rescue time was of the absolute essence. This interoperability is so important – even potentially life-saving in situations like this," says Sgt. Derek Eberle from the La Ronge RCMP. "We're grateful to the Rangers for their continued partnership. Their local knowledge and expertise are a tremendous asset to the La Ronge RCMP and the community in general. We're also happy that the woman and her dog – though they had a very scary experience – are safe and sound."
February 2: Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes investigating homicide on Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation
February 2: At approximately 6 p.m., Battlefords RCMP received a report of a person in possession of a firearm at a business on Railway Avenue East in North Battleford. A responding officer located the male suspect inside the business and arrested him without incident. No injuries were reported. The officer located and seized a pellet gun in the male's bag.
As a result of continued investigation, 57-year-old Perry Johnson from Red Pheasant First Nation is charged with:
- one count, carry a concealed weapon, Section 90(2), Criminal Code;
- one count, mischief, Section 430(4), Criminal Code;
- one count, use an imitation firearm while committing the indictable offence of mischief, Section 85(3), Criminal Code; and
- one count, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, Section 88(2), Criminal Code.
He is scheduled to appear in North Battleford Provincial Court on February 5, 2023.
February 2: At approximately 7 p.m., Punnichy RCMP received a report of an injured male on George Gordon First Nation. Officers immediately responded and located the male, who was taken to hospital with injuries described as serious in nature.
Subsequent investigation determined he was seriously assaulted on Highway #640 on George Gordon First Nation.
Punnichy RCMP continue to investigate. Anyone with information about this incident, or who saw any suspicious activity in the area during the evening of February 2, is urged to report it to Punnichy RMCP at 306-835-5200. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
February 4: At approximately 2:50 a.m., Punnichy RCMP received a report of a single vehicle rollover on Highway #15, approximately seven kilometres west of Lestock, SK. Officers immediately responded. The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle was declared deceased by EMS at the scene. He has been identified as a 17-year-old from Foam Lake, SK. His family has been notified. Punnichy RCMP continue to investigate with the assistance of a Saskatchewan RCMP collision reconstructionist.
February 5: Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes: male charged with second degree murder
February 5: Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes investigating homicide in North Battleford