The Canora/Sturgis RCMP responded to 30 calls during the week of November 26 to December 3, some of which included: five traffic accidents, three traffic offences, two impaired drivers, eight other provincial statutes, two other criminal code incidents, one uttering threats, three assaults, two thefts under $5,000, one theft over $5,000, one fraud and one break-and-enter.
$40,000 of firefighting equipment recovered by RCMP
It was during a routine patrol in the community of Canora on November 27 when two police officers from Canora/Sturgis RCMP noticed two males acting suspiciously near the Canora Fire Hall. The quick reaction and subsequent investigation by officers resulted in the recovery of over $40,000 worth of equipment belonging to the local fire hall. Davis Keepness, 21, and Roland Bryant, 35, both from Canora, were arrested and charged with break-and-enter and theft over $5,000.
Canora Fire Chief Devon Sawka said the items taken include: three brand-new breathing apparatuses, formal uniforms, battery charges and ice augers used for making holes in dugouts ice, so they can pull water for fighting fires. All but two fire helmets were recovered.
“We’re a small community and we cover three rural municipalities and the Town of Canora,” said Chief Sawka, “We slowly save up for these bigger purchases, like the new breathing apparatuses. A theft of this nature can be enough to cripple a department. At the end of the day, they not only helped us, but the community as a whole.”
“Community patrols by police are one of the most fundamental and important jobs a police officer can do, but it’s not all about crime prevention or potentially witnessing a crime happening,” says Sgt. Derek Friesen, Canora Detachment Commander. “A police officer is tasked with ensuring the safety and security of the community, but to do this effectively the officer needs to know and understand the communities and the people they serve. Patrolling allows an officer to learn their patrol area, which includes knowledge of back roads and layout of communities. One of the most important aspects of patrolling is meeting and talking with community members. Building and developing relationships with community members encourages information exchange and gives an officer a deeper understanding of the community and the ability to better serve those who need our help.”
“We just want to thank (the officers),” said Sawka. “If it wasn’t for them, their keen eye and quick reaction, we may have never recovered this equipment.”
Davis Keepness and Roland Bryant are scheduled to make their first court appearance in Yorkton Provincial Court on January 7, 2021.
Preeceville traffic stop
On November 24, Yorkton Traffic Services conducted a check step in Preeceville with the assistance of Canora/Sturgis RCMP members, Saskatchewan Highway Patrol, Saskatchewan Conservation, CN Police and SGI Inspectors. A total of 361 vehicles were checked which resulted in numerous tickets, warnings, and inspection notices being issued for traffic, commercial vehicle, and wildlife regulations infractions.
Pizza mystery
The Canora Detachment received a complaint on November 27 of a frozen pizza being stolen from a residence in Canora. Police investigated the complaint and determined no theft occurred.
Driving complaint
On November 29, Canora/Sturgis RCMP responded to a complaint of a possible impaired driver. Police located the suspects and were able to determine neither of them were driving.
Canora assault
Canora RCMP members were alerted to an assault in progress at a residence in Canora on December 1. Police attended the call and arrested a male. The male was charged with assault and released on conditions.
Moose vs semi
On December 2, Canora/Sturgis RCMP attended a moose versus semi collision complaint on Highway No. 47 by Buchanan. The driver of the semi was not injured.
Camper break-in
Between November 24 and November 27 there was a break-and-enter into a camper. This happened near the service road between the Tempo gas station and the Canora dumpsite. At this moment, RCMP are asking the public to come forth and provide any information that could assist with this investigation. Anyone with information about this or any other crime is asked to please contact Canora RCMP Detachment at 306-563-4700 or Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at www.saskcrimestoppers.com
Call the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment Turn In Poachers & Polluters (TIPP) Line, toll-free, at 1-800-667-7561 or #5555 from a Sasktel cellphone (phone calls only, no text messages).
