The victim was guided out of the woods using the search light on the drone. (submitted/RCMP) (Image Credit: Submitted/ RCMP)

By Nigel Maxwell

Crime

Violent incident in RM of Buckland results in seven month sentence

Jun 11, 2026 | 12:00 PM

A man responsible for a violent assault in a wooded area north of Prince Albert, has received a seven month sentence.

However with credit for the time he’s already spent in custody, 31-year-old Justin Charles will be released on Thursday. The case that was heard at Prince Albert Provincial Court was scheduled for trial, but Charles opted instead to enter guilty pleas to assault and driving while prohibited from doing so.

In the early morning hours of Jan. 7, 2026, police received a report of a man being chased by another person holding a gun. Officers responded to a forested area in the Rural Municipality of Buckland.

The subsequent investigation revealed that two men and a woman were in a vehicle when an altercation began after the vehicle got stuck.

Charles punched the other man in the face and then fled on foot. He was also alleged to have pointed a gun at them and discharged it into the air, but the Crown could not prove this however a modified rifle was among items included in a forfeiture order along with .22 caliber ammunition and a shotgun round.

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The two victims ran further into the bush and were later located by way of a police drone and a police dog. Neither of them were seriously hurt.

Charles was located and arrested two weeks later at a house in Prince Albert. When provided the opportunity in court to comment, he said he takes full responsibility for his actions that he claimed were fueled by alcohol.

“This could have been prevented,” he said.

Acknowledging a history of being in and out of custody, Charles said he’s getting too old for these types of actions and is focused on a better life.

In addition to the custodial sentence, he received an 18 month driving prohibition.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

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by Nigel Maxwell

Violent incident in RM of Buckland results in seven month sentence

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