A loaded firearm was seized and two people are in custody after a vehicle fled an RCMP traffic stop near Onion Lake on May 17, with a third suspect still wanted.
Onion Lake RCMP spotted a vehicle travelling at high speed near the community at approximately 5:10 p.m. Officers activated their emergency equipment and attempted a stop. The vehicle did not pull over.
The vehicle came to a stop near French Butte a short time later. Two occupants ran from it. Two others remained inside and were arrested.
A search of the vehicle turned up a loaded firearm.
RCMP called in reinforcements. The Lloydminster Crime Reduction Team, North Battleford Police Dog Services, and Rosetown and Kindersley RCMP Combined Traffic Services all joined the search for the two who fled on foot.
A police dog tracked one suspect for approximately five kilometres before he was apprehended.
Matthew Chief, 40, of Onion Lake, appeared in Lloydminster Provincial Court on May 19. Timothy Weeseekase, 35, also of Onion Lake, is scheduled to appear July 15.
Both are listed under Information #90573335.
The fourth occupant was released without charge.
Matthew Chief faces the following charges:
- Resist/obstruct peace officer
- Possession of a firearm when knowing possession unauthorized
- Unsafe storage of a firearm
- Possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle
- Possession of a prohibited weapon when knowing possession unauthorized
- Possession contrary to order
Timothy Weeseekase faces the following charge:
- Possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle
All charges are allegations. Both accused are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Aaron Chief, 44, of Onion Lake, remains at large. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.
He is described as 5 feet, 9 inches tall, approximately 180 pounds, with brown eyes, black hair, facial hair, and a tattoo on his neck.
Aaron Chief faces the following charges:
- Flight from a peace officer
- Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle
- Resist/obstruct peace officer
- Possession of a restricted firearm with ammunition without licence/registration
- Unsafe storage of a firearm
- Possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle
- Possession of a prohibited weapon when knowing possession unauthorized
- Possession contrary to order
Police ask the public not to approach Aaron Chief. Anyone who sees him or has information on his whereabouts is asked to contact Onion Lake RCMP at 310-RCMP. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or saskcrimestoppers.com.
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