Regina man charged after pointing gun, uttering threats

What started as a stolen vehicle investigation turned into an alleged incident of forcible confinement Wednesday afternoon.

According to a media release from the Regina Police Service, an officer from the Stolen Auto Unit saw a white Ford truck parked at a house in the 1300 block of King Street. The truck matched the description of one that had been reported stolen the day before.

The suspect drove away in the vehicle, but abandoned it in the 600 block of Queen Street and ran off. He was chased by a police dog, but disappeared into a backyard in the 400 block of King Street.

The suspect allegedly demanded vehicle keys from the home’s resident at gunpoint and forced him inside. Police say the suspect then forced the resident and three others into a bedroom by pointing the gun at them and uttering threats.

“Police surrounded the property and were able to enter the residence and locate the suspect who was trying to hide,” the media release added.

Officers arrested the suspect and seized a loaded, 12-gauge homemade shotgun.

Matthew Stacey Bitternose, 31, of Regina, faces 22 charges related to the incidents.

That includes 17 weapons-related charges, and one each of uttering threats, forcible confinement, breaking, entering and committing robbery, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, and breach of probation.

He appeared in court Thursday afternoon.