This photo of the pickup after colliding with heavy equipment was shared on social media. (Facebook)

By Susan McNeil

Suspects at large

Hunt for suspects continues in challenging conditions near Thunder Rapids

Oct 24, 2024 | 8:21 PM

RCMP are urging public safety and also asking for information as they search for multiple suspects in dense brush near Thunder Rapids, a well-known hunting and fishing location on the north end of Tobin Lake.

Police are now revealing that the suspects were travelling in a black SUV when they approached a lone man on the White Star Road, which runs west of Highway 55 north of Prince Albert. They are still looking for information on the SUV.

The victim was in his pickup and when he was approached, the suspects shot him. He remains in serious condition in hospital.

The suspects, wearing black bandanas or black balaclavas, took the man’s 2020 white Dodge Ram pickup and his cellphone. The victim did not know the suspects.

A passerby found the victim at about 8:30 am and called for help.

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As the suspects were considered armed and dangerous, police issued several emergency alerts covering a wide area as they didn’t know what direction the thieves were travelling.

At about 10 am, the pickup was seen driving on Highway 123 towards Cumberland House.

When they reached the vicinity of Thunder Rapids, the suspect’s vehicle collided with a heavy equipment vehicle also on the road.

Responding officers saw the suspects leave the pickup and run into the bush. No injuries were reported in the collision but two guns were found in the vehicle and are now being held by police.

After issuing a third emergency alert, RCMP arrested one male and one female in the Tobin Lake area.

They then cancelled the emergency alert as it no longer met the criteria.

RCMP officers from surrounding detachments including Nipawin, Melfort, Carrot River, Cumberland House and Waskesiu responded along with officers from Prince Albert, the police dog services team, the Warrant Enforcement and Suppression Team and the Saskatoon Police Services’ air unit.

Because two suspects remain at large and the investigation is ongoing, residents starting at Holbein, past Nipawin and up to Thunder Rapids are being asked to check all security cameras, including game cameras for signs of the black SUV.

The SUV had between three and four suspects, dressed in black and who may have had a balaclava or bandana on their face.

Tips should be reported to 310-RCMP and emergencies should be called in to 911.

Neighbours should also check in on each other to ensure their safety.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com