MELFORT – Police seized a loaded, modified prohibited firearm and arrested two wanted men in Melfort on Oct. 25.
Jack Sanderson, 32, from Sturgeon Lake First Nation and Dave Smith, 49, from Melfort were arrested.
The incident started when Prince Albert RCMP received a report at about 4:30 a.m. on Oct. 23 about a vehicle theft. Their investigation determined that a pick-up truck was stolen from outside a business south of Prince Albert.
Two days later, officers from Saskatchewan RCMP’s North Battleford Crime Reduction Team (CRT) were conducting patrols on Sturgeon Lake First Nation and located the stolen pick-up truck. They attempted a traffic stop but the vehicle didn’t stop for police.
Later, on Oct. 25, their investigation determined the vehicle was parked outside a residence on Park Bay East in Melfort. Hours later Sanderson and Smith were arrested inside the home. Saskatchewan RCMP’s Melfort and Tisdale detachments, RCMP Warrant Enforcement and Suppression Team (WEST), Prince Albert and Melfort RCMP Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan, RCMP Critical Response Team and RCMP Police Dog Services.
Police then executed a search warrant at the home and seized a loaded, modified prohibited firearm.
Sanderson was arrested on a warrant from Prince Albert RCMP for charges including possession of property over $5,000 obtained by crime and driving while prohibited.
Smith was arrested on a warrant from Melfort RCMP for charges including possession of property over $5,000 obtained by crime during an offence.
Police had issued a release on Oct. 25 saying there was an increased police presence on Park Bay East in Melfort, which would continue for several hours. Traffic was blocked off from the Park Avenue area with road blocks in place at Groat Drive and Park Bay West in Melfort. They said there were no injuries.
Sanderson and Smith appeared in Melfort Provincial Court on Oct. 26.
Police say their investigation continues and further updates will be provided when available.
Anyone with information should contact their 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 .
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