The Estevan Police Service responded to a series of incidents between April 25 and 27, resulting in several arrests for theft, fraud, public disturbances and breaches of court conditions. Investigations into some of the matters are ongoing.
On April 25, the Estevan Police Service received a driving complaint regarding an unauthorized driver operating a vehicle without a proper license. The matter remains under investigation.
Police also received a report of a theft of a bike from outside a local business. The owner had left the bike unattended while making a purchase, and when he returned minutes later, the bike was gone. Police located the individual responsible shortly after, as he was spray-painting the bike to disguise it. A 22-year-old Estevan male was arrested and remanded in custody to appear in Estevan Provincial Court on theft and mischief to property charges.
The Ministry of Social Services reported the fraudulent use of multiple assistance vouchers. A few hours later, a local business called to report that an individual was attempting to make a purchase with an unauthorized voucher. EPS attended and arrested a 32-year-old Estevan female for fraud. She was charged with three counts of fraud and is set to appear in court at a later date. The matter remains under investigation.
Police received a report of a female being verbally inappropriate and partially exposing herself during an exchange downtown outside a local business. The female was arrested, and the matter remains under investigation.
Police assistance was requested at a local liquor establishment to remove a female who had been previously banned from the premises for her behaviour. EPS attended and spoke with the female, who was cautioned that it is an offence to re-enter a liquor establishment after being asked to leave. She left without incident.
The following day, EPS received a report of a female in distress who was walking with a large suitcase in the central part of the city. Members attended with the Police and Crisis Worker and determined that she was waiting for a ride to pick her up. Members assisted with transporting her to a safe place to wait.
On April 27, police were called to Walmart to report a male and female leaving the store with a lawnmower. Police attended and located their vehicle with the lawnmower in the back seat and found the subjects filling another cart with merchandise inside the store. A 57-year-old male and a 53-year-old female, both from Regina, were arrested. The investigation determined the pair had also been suspects in a theft from Canadian Tire in Melville, as well as a location in Weyburn. Charges were laid for each offence, with matters set for appearance in both Estevan and Weyburn provincial courts.
Police responded to a disturbance call at a local business. As a result, a 53-year-old Estevan female was charged under the Alcohol and Gaming Regulation Act for re-entering a licensed premises after being asked to leave.
Police responded to a report of an intoxicated male at a local restaurant. He was lodged in cells to be released once sober.
A noise complaint related to a loud stereo was received during the night shift. Members attended and warned the residents under the city's noise bylaw.
A disturbance at a local trailer park was investigated and determined to be a loud verbal argument. Both parties were warned, and no further action was required.
Staff at a local lounge reported several males causing a disturbance. Members attended the business and assisted with removing the unruly patrons.
A report of a male breaching court-ordered conditions of no contact with another person was received and remains under investigation.