RCMP have provided an update on the arrests made in Richmound early on Wednesday morning.
RCMP confirmed 16 individuals were arrested in this investigation. These arrests were made during a search warrant execution of the former Richmound School.
One of those arrested was Romana Didulo. All arrests were completed by 6 a.m. RCMP were not able to identify any other individuals. There are no reports of any resistance during the arrests at this time.
RCMP involved in this effort included the Saskatchewan RCMP, Critical Incident Response Team, Tactical Support Group, Containment Team, Police Dog Services, Provincial General Investigation Section, Remotely Piloted Aircraft System, and Detachment Members.
Currently, phase two of the investigation is underway. Notably, the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency is also investigating modifications to the structure that the RCMP discovered.
RCMP stated that the large police presence, over 30 vehicles in attendance on this case with two tactical vehicles, was necessitated due to the unknown variables after a report of at least one firearm, received on August 25, at the former Richmound School. The press conference confirmed that there were four replica firearms recovered.
RCMP confirmed that charges have yet to be laid in this case, with all 16 individuals needing to be processed as part of the investigation. RCMP have 24 hours to issue a charge before they are forced to release these individuals. In the event they are released with no charges in the first 24 hours, they may still be charged in the future.
If officers uncover additional evidence of further criminal activity, they may bring forward more charges.
The search warrant is expected to take an extended amount of time to fully complete.
Whether or not the school will be re-inhabited is not something the RCMP were able to speak to. RCMP may put conditions on individuals to not return but have not done so at this time.
Regina Police Service aided in this effort. Saskatchewan Major Crimes will be leading this investigation going forward.
Note: It was previously reported 17 individuals were arrested, Saskatchewan RCMP confirmed there was 16 individuals who were arrested