UPDATE: Thursday, May 18, 2023, 12:00 PM
After multiple evasions from police this week, the stolen grey F-350 has been located and the three occupants were arrested without incident.
Just before midnight the Battlefords RCMP’s Gang Task Force located the grey F-350 Super Duty in the City of North Battleford.
Saskatchewan RCMP thanked the media and public for their assistance with this investigation and noted that ongoing updates including potential charges will be provided when available.
ORIGINAL: Wednesday, May 17, 2023, 12:00 PM
Quite the string of events is unfolding north of the west-central region.
A public notice was sent out yesterday by the Saskatchewan Crime Watch Advisory, as RCMP advised people in the Sonningdale area that a truck was going around with the intention of stealing fuel.
We reached out to the Biggar RCMP for some more details, as yesterday's information shared that a lifted grey 2006 Ford F350 Super Duty (license plate 720 KBF) carrying two males were looking to steal fuel for a stolen vehicle. The vehicle has a burnt-out driver side taillight, and people in the area were directed to observe only and call 911 with any relevant information.
The crime watch advisory shared that the suspects were armed, and also an instance where the vehicle rammed police.
Police shared that these cases were in connection with a call out of Maidstone earlier this week.
On May 14 at approximately 11:55 PM, Maidstone RCMP responded to the report of an armed robbery at a residence involving a firearm on the 100th block of 3rd avenue east in Maidstone. After the truck fled from police, it was seen turning north of Highway 16 where the police eventually lost the vehicle in the dust from its speeding.
Digging into the case, initial investigation determined two males wearing ski masks and a female were demanding money from an occupant of the residence. The report goes on to state the suspects left the residence, and one of the suspects discharged a firearm in the air and there were no injuries reported to police.
Officers responded immediately and located the vehicle in question leaving the residence, and it's noted the truck was reported stolen from North Battleford earlier that day.
More information coming out today provided details on what happened in between the two events in question. After the initial robbery late on May 14, the next night at around 10:00 PM Cut Knife RCMP found the vehicle but could not chase it down as it sped away.
Early on the next morning Battlefords RCMP would engage with the vehicle where the ramming incident would take place. About 12 hours later is when Biggar RCMP received a report of a firearm discharge at a rural property in the RM of Glenside leading to the advisory being sent out.
The final piece noted that later on during that same evening Warman RCMP would receive a report of a fuel theft in Maymont. It didn't take long before they received a report the suspect truck was observed leaving a gas station on the Yellowhead Highway near Radisson. A patrol was done to locate the vehicle and a stop was later attempted near the Borden Bridge. The truck once again fled as officers conducted extensive patrols and there has been no word of the truck being located since.
Wednesday's information also shared that people should secure all freestanding and slip fuel tanks with locks after the fuel thefts were added to the investigation. Farmers should ensure their tractors are locked and all keys from vehicles removed, and it's important to remember to report stolen vehicles, suspicious persons or crimes in progress immediately by calling your local police service.
Maidstone RCMP are investigating this incident and have conducted interviews, neighbourhood inquiries and continue to follow-up on information provided to them. Maidstone RCMP continue to proactively patrol the community to help maintain public safety.
They originally believed this to be an isolated incident, but with more news coming out information about this incident should be reported to Maidstone RCMP at 306-893-4800.
If you have information related to the advisory around Biggar, please call 310-RCMP for immediate response, or you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
To modify your profile or to sign up please go to www.saskcrimewatch.ca.