A group shot of the officers involved. (Submitted/Prince Albert Police)

By Nigel Maxwell

Public safety

Multi-agency operation applies brakes to fleeing suspects

Mar 22, 2024 | 10:16 AM

The Prince Albert Police Service is confirming a plane that attracted a lot of attention on social media this week, as it was seen flying over the city, was part of a multi-agency operation to stop suspects who failed to stop or who evaded police.

The focused operational plan which occurred Monday and Tuesday evenings, and involved members from the Prince Albert Police Service, Saskatoon Police Service Air Support Unit (ASU), Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan, Crime Reduction Team, and the Prince Albert RCMP, resulted in multiple arrests and charges.

Prince Albert Police Chief Patrick Nogier remarked the success of the collaborative endeavor was a testament to the meticulous coordination and the unwavering commitment of those involved.

“It is only through the collective willingness to embrace teamwork, adopt innovative strategies, and contribute meaningfully to our shared objectives that such remarkable outcomes are achievable. Indeed, the results of this collaboration resonate profoundly, underscoring the power of unity and shared purpose,” he said in a release.

A photo of the police plane flying over the city. (Submitted/ Prince Albert Police)

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The operation this week, was in response to 429 incidents last year where individuals failed to stop or attempted to evade police.

From those incidents, 40 per cent involved stolen vehicles or taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent, and 80 per cent involved stolen vehicles, previous failures to stop, wanted persons, or dangerous/reckless driving.

Noting one might assume these occurences would occur on the weekend, Nogier explained their data actually found Tuesday night was the most popular. And with respect to explain why so many incidents, he noted the correlation between criminal activity and stolen vehicles.

“In a province such as Saskatchewan where geographically you are spread out, we know that vehicles inevitably come into the equation when you are talking about transportation of firearms, transportation of drugs, and everything associated with those types of activities,” he said, adding another is the influence of substances that alter decision making.

When asked if operations such as the one this past weekend could possibly be used to address gangs and guns, Nogier did not rule it out and even cited the arrest this week of a wanted suspect.

“We would not have found that individual if it was not for the capabilities of an air supply unit,” he said.

While noting the operation speaks to the benefits of investing in police, Nogier also confirmed more operations this year related to traffic enforcement.

“We’re sending a message to people in the community that if you are going to be involved in these activities, we’re gonna use all the resources that we have available to make sure you are held accountable.”

Highlighted incidents this week:

On Monday, under Prince Albert Police Service Occurrence, an offender fled from a police officer in the area of Marquis Drive and second Ave. W.

This same vehicle had fled from officers earlier in the evening. The Saskatoon Police Service ASU played a critical role in tracking the suspect to an area near Kinistino, leading to the arrest of a 25-year-old Prince Albert man for numerous offences including dangerous driving, evading police, mischief, and breach of several court orders.

On Tuesday, under Prince Albert Police Service Occurrence, an officer observed a stolen vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed in the west end of Prince Albert.

The operator disregarded the officers attempt to stop it and the vehicle fled, driving erratically, at a high rate of speed.

Police successfully deployed a tire deflation device and the occupants were taken into custody within minutes.

A 29-year-old Prince Albert man is now facing charges of dangerous driving, evading police, assaulting a peace officer, possession of stolen property, and breach of several court orders.

panews@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @princealbertnow