(File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Derek Craddock

KIDNAPPING

Child found safe after kidnapping reported near Buffalo Narrows

Oct 1, 2021 | 3:35 PM

RCMP have charged a Prince Albert man after receiving reports of a kidnapping near Buffalo Narrows.

Shortly before 1:30 a.m. Thursday, a woman reported that a man in her vehicle had stolen the car they were travelling in with her baby still inside.

RCMP from Buffalo Narrows, Beauval, La Loche patrolled all roadways in the community searching for the car and the child.

At 3:00 a.m., officers found the car on Highway #155 south of Buffalo Narrows, pulled over on the side of the road, still running with the doors locked.

The man was asleep in the driver’s seat. After multiple attempts to wake the driver, officers broke the passenger side window to get inside and shut off the vehicle. The man was arrested at the scene.

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The child was found safe and asleep in the back seat of the car in their car seat.

“The fast response of the officers conducting immediate patrols on roadways is what led us to locate the child. Police officer familiarity with the area was also critical,” said S/Sgt. Shawn Carter, Buffalo Narrows RCMP Detachment Commander. “I can say without a doubt the two officers who located the child were extremely relieved — all of us at the detachment were. A million what-ifs run through your head during a call like this. It was an unforgettable moment to reunite the child with mom.”

Police have now charged Riley Lemaigre, 18, of Prince Albert with kidnapping, driving while impaired and failing to comply with release order conditions.

He will appear in La Loche Provincial Court on Monday.

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Derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @PA_Craddock