Gleichen RCMP make arrests, recover weapons and drugs

By Janet Kanters, Editor

Two Saskatchewan residents were arrested last week after RCMP from Gleichen, Bassano and Brooks detachments followed a stolen car westbound on the Trans-Canada Highway.

On July 16, the three detachments received an alert at 10:45 a.m. from Yorkton, Sask. RCMP of a stolen motor vehicle believed to be travelling through the area. Bassano RCMP located the alleged stolen vehicle, a Chevy Traverse with Saskatchewan plates, as it travelled westbound on Highway 1 near Bassano. A traffic stop was initiated; however, the vehicle continued westbound. At 11:30 a.m. Gleichen RCMP located the vehicle parked at a gas station just off Highway 1 near Cluny, Alta. Gleichen RCMP attempted to arrest the occupants of the vehicle but the vehicle fled.

Police were in communication with OnStar which had been tracking the movement of the vehicle. OnStar disabled the vehicle and advised it was in the area of Highway 1 and Range Road 213, and RCMP units rushed to the location.

A male and female were located in the vehicle and the male occupant was taken into custody without incident. The female brandished what is believed to be a sawed-off long barrel firearm. The police de-escalated the situation and the female was taken into custody. 

Neither the arrested individuals or police were physically injured during the incident. 

Elisabeth Tuckanow (24) from Yorkton, Sask. and Isaiah Sparvier (25) from Regina, Sask. have been jointly charged with possession of stolen property over $5,000, careless use of a firearm, two counts of possession of a weapon dangerous to public peace, unauthorized possession of a firearm in vehicle, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of illicit cannabis. 

Tuckanow has also been charged with unauthorized possession of a firearm, flight from peace officer, and operation while prohibited. Sparvier has also been charged with unauthorized possession of a firearm, flight from peace officer and operate motor vehicle while unauthorized.

Following a judicial hearing Tuckanow and Sparvier was released with conditions and are scheduled to appear in Siksika Nation Provincial Court on Aug. 27.