On Thursday, March 21, 2019 at 7:15 p.m. Battlefords RCMP responded to a complaint of an erratic driver on Highway 4 south of Battleford. While the officers were responding they were advised the driver of the vehicle was wanted on a Canada Wide Warrant for parole violations.

Upon locating the suspect vehicle, RCMP officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop in relation to the driving offences but the vehicle fled. The RCMP officers were, however, able to confirm the driver of the vehicle was the subject of the Canada Wide Warrant.

A pursuit took place on grid roads and continued onto Highway 4 heading north towards Battleford. RCMP officers were able to successfully deploy a spike belt and the suspect vehicle stopped. The driver - who was confirmed to be the wanted suspect - then discharged a firearm at an RCMP officer. The RCMP officer returned fire at the suspect. It was at this time RCMP officers observed there were other persons in the vehicle with the suspect. The vehicle fled the scene and RCMP officers pursued the vehicle and stopped the vehicle a second time. The occupants then fled the vehicle along with the suspect who had the firearm.

A containment area - to ensure public safety - was set up in an area bordering the south side of the Battle River. Battlefords RCMP also requested assistance from specialized RCMP units to assist with the search for the suspect, including Saskatoon Police Service Air 1. The suspect and vehicle occupants managed to get a ride from an unsuspecting member of the public. This resulted in a further search and a traffic stop on Highway 29 just south of Battleford where the suspect was taken into custody without incident. No one was injured as a result of this incident.

The investigation is ongoing and residents in the area will likely see an increased number of police officers due to the continuing investigation. These officers will be gathering evidence, conducting interviews, etc. and there is no concern for public safety. All traffic restrictions have been lifted. However, officers are working on Highway 4 and Highway 29 south of Battleford. Motorists are asked to be cautious when passing police vehicle. Further details will be provided as they become available.