Car jacking victim returns home, online fundraiser surpasses $128K

“His first comment was well doc I’m happy to be alive, I have my hand.”

(Submitted photo)

Oct. 24, 2024

The initial information provided by RCMP was that on the morning of Oct. 24, the driver of a vehicle north of Prince Albert was approached near the White Star elevator, robbed of their vehicle and shot.

RNF Ventures Ltd. confirmed the same day it was one of their vehicles and the person shot was one of their employees.

Josh Peterson recalled receiving a phone call from a friend, who advised him he needed to get to the hospital as soon as possible because there was an incident involving his dad.

“My thoughts went to maybe he had a heart attack. My dad is in great health but why else would I have to go to the hospital?” Josh asked.

The friend then advised Josh his dad had been shot. Recalling a feeling of everything going dark and a struggle to even get dressed to go to the hospital, Josh described the drive to the hospital as terrifying.

“I was planning the funeral in my head and how that would go because anytime you hear someone has been shot, immediately you think they are not going to survive,” he said.

Upon reaching the hospital and seeing his dad was both conscious and happy to see him, Josh said he immediately felt comforted. And through his work as a police officer, Josh recognized the paramedics and hospital staff.

“I knew they were tremendously professional and I knew he was in good hands,” he said.

Josh with his dad Orlan with Josh’s nephew and sons. young passionate hockey fans. (Submitted photo)

His father’s story

Noting he has heard his father’s story about 20 times, and how his father is willing to share it with anyone who comes to visit, Josh confirmed he felt comfortable sharing it with paNOW.

Around 6:40a.m., like he had done many times previously, Orlan Peterson arrived at the job site north of Prince Albert and as the only person scheduled to work there that day, began filling up the generator so he could have some light and electricity.

Orlan’s truck was still running when two sets of headlights came pulling onto the job site, and a man with a gun came rushing to where Orlan was working. Pointing the gun at Orlan’s face, the stranger demanded Orlan get down on the ground and hand over the keys to the truck and any valuables.

Orlan obliged and informed the stranger everything was in the truck.

“He said he could feel the barrel of the shot gun pressed against his neck and at that point he thought that was it for him, his life was over. He just started praying for an opportunity to see my mom and his grand kids and his kids again,” Josh explained.

After being hit in the head with the stock of the barrel, Orlan was ordered to his feet and told to go inside the trailer.

‘And then [the suspect] said sorry bro, I’ve gotta shoot ya”

Seconds later the gun went off and Orlan who had angled his body with his left side facing forward, was shot in the upper arm at close proximity. He was then overcome with a feeling of searing pain and burning and he could smell the gun powder.

Orlan’s family. (Submitted photo)

The suspects fled soon after and Orlan, using some tie wire in the trailer, tied it so the door would be secure in case the intruder returned to try and finish him off.

One of the trucks that had originally entered the property was still visible and so Orlan, believing someone had stayed behind, remained in the trailer for another hour. Fortunately his lunch kit was in the trailer too so he was able to get some water.

“He knew he was bleeding but it wasn’t gushing and so he thought he had a bit of time but around 8 he was like, if I don’t start making my way, I’m gonna die here,” Josh explained.

After discovering the truck was empty, Orlan made his way to White Star Road and that’s where he was found by a passing Lakeland Towing truck and a driver named Roger, who Orlan now refers to as his guardian angel.

While waiting for paramedics and police to arrive, Orlan insisted on sitting on the tail gate of the truck.

“Roger said you must be cold, come have a seat in my truck and dad said no I don’t wanna get your truck dirty. You know, like the guy’s dying and he’s still thinking about other people.”

When paNOW reached out to the tow truck driver, Roger Topping stated that in his 40 years towing, he’s been called a lot of things but never a guardian angel.

“I wished I could have done more for him while ems was on the way . Since this has happened the new owners of Lakeland have bought first aid kits and emergency blankets to be carried in all the trucks,” Topping explained.

Topping also noted that the incident was his third encounter with the suspects that week.

The first was at Knotty Pine where Topping had gone for supper, and left 10 minutes before the car jacking/ assault at Little Red River Park.

The second encounter was when Topping was called to tow a stolen SUV, that had been recovered by Spruce Home.

“The suspects followed me to within a block of that car, but when they spotted RCMP waiting for me to arrive, they pulled u-ball which resulted in a chase where they lost the suspects west of Spruce Home .

And the third was finding Orlan shot and robbed on white star.

“I’m thankful he is going to recover and it definitely could have been a lot worse,” Topping said.

Gofundme

As of Friday, an online fundraiser for Orlan and the family, had raised over $128,000.

The family was first consulted and while Orlan initially dismissed the idea, eventually gave his blessing and being reminded that if another family in the area had lost their home to a fire, he would be stepping up for them and organizing a dance or selling pies.

Further noting how he originally thought they could raise maybe a few thousand dollars, Josh said the family is completely in shock over the amount raised so far, adding the number of donors too has really lifted his dad’s spirits.

(Submitted photo)

“I think it’s karma that he’s treated so many people well over the years and now for people it’s their opportunity to reach out and kind of pick him up when he needs it,” Josh said. “That’s the lesson I’ve tried to teach my own kids. Treat people how you would want to be treated and when you need them, they will come to support you.”

During his own time playing hockey, Orlan was a Captain of the Birch Hills Blackhawks and this weekend the team is donating the proceeds from their 50/50 raffle. A similar gesture is being done by Kinistino Tigers where Orlan once coached.

As for Josh, who has over 18 years experience as a police officer, acknowledged there’s been countless times when he has responded to a call and comforted a family who has been exposed to something similar.

“And you never ever think it will happen to you and then one day it does and I just can’t see how this won’t impact me to show even more empathy and compassion with victims from this point on,” he said.

To date, two people have been arrested into the car jacking and a warrant has been issued for Dallas Fulton, who is well known to both police and the courts.

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

Response from a victim’s services coordinator

Nicki LePage is a Victim Services Coordinator with the Prince Albert Police Service, and in a statement provided for paNOW, advised the impact that traumatic events, such as carjacking’s and shootings, can have on victims and their families is profound.

“These incidents can leave lasting emotional and psychological scars, affecting not only the individuals directly involved but also their loved ones and in certain situation, their entire community,” she said.

Lepage went on to explain that when a traumatic event occurs, victims often experience a range of emotional responses, including fear, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress. These feelings can disrupt daily life, making it difficult to return to routines and engage with others.

“Families may struggle to understand and support their loved ones during this challenging time, leading to feelings of helplessness and isolation,” she explained.

Victim Services provides referrals to essential resources, including counseling and support groups when applicable, that allow victims and their families to process their experiences in a safe environment.

By offering emotional and practical assistance, these services help victims and their families navigate the complexities of recovery and fosters resilience and encourages open communication, enabling families to support each other more effectively.

Moreover, victim services assist in empowering victims and in some cases, their families by providing education about trauma and coping strategies by connecting victims with community resources, such as Caring Hearts as well as financial assistance via Victims Compensation.

“Ultimately, the goal of Victim Services is to help victims and families heal and move forward. It helps them reclaim their sense of safety and normalcy, fostering hope in the aftermath of tragedy,” Lepage said.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell

by Nigel Maxwell

Car jacking victim returns home, online fundraiser surpasses $128K

What's Trending