Muskoday man sentenced for muddy police chase

A 30-year-old Muskoday man was sentenced to 55 days in custody Friday morning for leading police on a car and foot chase through a muddy field last April.

Sidney Norman Bear was arrested April 30, 2017 after an off-duty RCMP member spotted an F-150 truck swerving erratically on Highway 2, North of Prince Albert. Crown prosecutor John Syrnick said the RCMP officer used his radio to alert other officers, who intercepted Bear near a few kilometres outside the city.

When the officer activated his lights and siren, Syrnick said Bear “wheeled his truck into the ditch … and floored the gas pedal.” The truck, with Bear behind the wheel, quickly became stuck in a field, Syrnick said, and Bear took off running through the mud with the officer in pursuit.

Syrnick said the officer briefly lost sight of Bear, but encountered a farmer on a quad bike who pointed him in the right direction. The farmer lent his quad to the officer, Syrnick said, and Bear was soon found lying down in a nearby stand of bushes. After a final sprint for freedom, Syrnick said Bear tripped over a fence and was taken into custody. Bear was found to have alcohol in his system, but in amounts under the legal limit for impaired driving.

“The Crown is asking for six months’ incarceration,” Syrnick said.

Riderville

Riders Have Options Heading into Tuesday CFL Draft

4h ago

Weekend hockey

PAGC set to host largest Senator's Cup tournament to date

5h ago

VAISAKHI MELA

Hundreds flocking to P.A. for Vaisakhi Mela celebration

5h ago

Defence lawyer Rebecca Crookshanks said Bear and a group of friends were driving to Prince Albert from La Ronge at the time of the chase. During the trip they made a stop, she said, and the original driver became intoxicated. Despite not having a valid driver’s licence and the fact he had also consumed alcohol, she said Bear volunteered to drive, but panicked and took off when he saw the police lights.

Bear, who pleaded guilty to evading police, resisting arrest, driving while disqualified and other minor charges, was sentenced to 55 days in custody by Provincial Court Judge Steven Schiefner. As Bear had already spent a significant period in custody, the sentence was for time already served. He was also handed $650 in fines.

Speaking over a video link from Regina Correctional Centre, Bear apologized for his actions and said he wishes to turn his life around.

Tayor.macpherson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @TaylorMacP