Police at the scene in the RM of Buckland last January. (Submitted photo)

By Nigel Maxwell

Rural Crime

Buckland crime spree case concludes with jail sentences

Jun 19, 2020 | 5:00 PM

A tense situation in the Rural Municipality (RM) of Buckland last January, was discussed in greater detail Wednesday morning at Prince Albert Provincial Court, and concluded with the judge expressing relief no one was hurt.

Jazmine Crowe, 26, received a six month jail sentence for her role in the incident which took place at three separate properties. The case was scheduled for trial, but instead Crowe entered guilty pleas to a number of charges including break-and-enter, theft over $5,000, and possession of property obtained by crime.

According to the statement of facts read in court by Crown Lawyer Shawn Blackman, a homeowner was awakened around 7 a.m. on Jan. 19 and discovered one of his slip tanks was missing.

After retrieving his shotgun and a flashlight, the man jumped into his truck and proceeded to go for a drive. Just down the road he noticed a strange vehicle in his neighbour’s yard, and turned in for a closer look. As the strange vehicle was leaving, the property owner observed his missing gas tank in the back of the truck.

At this point, the suspect vehicle, which had been stolen, attempted to flee but the property owner cut him off, causing both vehicles to spin 180 degrees. The suspect vehicle attempted a second time to flee, and again the property owner cut him off, causing the truck this time to swerve into the ditch.

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The two people in the truck then fled, running to a neighbour’s garage, but again the property owner gave chase and confronted the pair with the help of others.

Crowe was held until police arrived, but the male suspect, Jonathan Meldrum, managed to escape and fled on foot. He was eventually arrested at a rural property, approximately 10 kilometres north of the Prince Albert detachment.

At the time of the incident police said the man’s arrest was the result of cooperation between the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment conservation officers and Police Dog Services (PDS). Police tracked Meldrum for approximately five kilometres.

“There was a great team effort between some citizens that got involved. The [Protection and Response Team], specifically conservation officers, who all attended to the scene rather quickly and were able to assist in not only locating where the suspect had fled to, but also assisting in setting up containment around the area,” Cpl. Rob King said.

In addition to the break and enter, charge, Crowe also entered guilty pleas to two drug related charges, and a number of court related breaches dating back to earlier this year. In one of the incidents, Crowe attempted to call an undercover police officer, and sell methamphetamine.

Crowe’s total sentence is three years and nine months, and legal aid lawyer Estelle Hjertaas requested a portion of the sentence be served at a healing lodge in Maple Creek. Hjertaas also noted her client’s minimal criminal record, and remorse for her actions.

While Judge Hugh Harradence noted the seriousness of the charges, and the fact that Crowe was more of a follower than a leader, he added his concern that the incident was not mitigated by the actions of the complainant. Harradence further pressed the Crown on what happened with the said shotgun, but Blackman could not provide an answer.

“I’m just thankful no one was hurt,” Harradence said.

At the conclusion of Crowe’s sentence, she will be subject to a 10 year firearm prohibition.

“Good luck Miss Crowe. You’ve got a journey ahead of you that you’ve got to focus on,” Harradence said.

Meldrum, 27, was sentenced earlier this month and received a one year jail sentence, minus 203 days credit for time spent in pre-sentence custody. Meldrum entered guilty pleas on seven charges including two counts of break-and-enter, possession of a stolen truck and operating a vehicle while prohibited from doing so.

At the conclusion of his sentence, Meldrum will be on probation for nine months, and has been ordered to complete 100 hours of community service.

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nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell