Suspect in Witchekan Lake emergency alert led RCMP through cornfield in burning SUV

Police have released more details about an emergency alert issued on the Witchekan Lake First Nation last week, which led to four arrests, a high-speed chase through a cornfield, and a slew of firearms charges.

The incident began when police got a report that people in a grey Pontiac were firing gunshots at a driver in a white Ford on the First Nation on Sept. 2, police said.

As officers were investigating, two people in a vehicle fled from them before abandoning the vehicle and running into the bush. With help from a police dog, officers tracked down and arrested a 31-year-old man, but the other suspect managed to get away.

(RCMP/Submitted)

A few days later, on Sept. 5, the RCMP got a report of a stolen SUV. Then, just two hours later, a second report said people in that SUV had stolen gas from a station in Leoville while wearing masks. Then a third report informed police that someone riding in the SUV had fired a gun from the vehicle in a residential neighbourhood.

The resident who was targeted was not injured, the RCMP noted.

At that point, officers called in more police to help, and issued an emergency alert due to the threat to the public.

More reports to police told them the SUV was on the road between the Witchekan Lake First Nation and the Pelican Lake First Nation, with the driver swerving into oncoming traffic and continuing to evade police pursuit.

Officers found the SUV in a cornfield and continued the chase, with the vehicle tearing through the field at a high rate of speed.

“Police continued to follow the vehicle until it caught fire and slowed to a stop,” the RCMP said in a statement. “Police were able to locate and apprehend the driver, and lone occupant of the vehicle, without incident.”

As they continued to put together the pieces, the Mounties said they determined the SUV’s driver was not involved in the initial report of shootings.

The emergency alert was cancelled in the early morning hours of Sept. 6.

The RCMP said the investigation is ongoing, but so far four people have been arrested and are now facing a laundry list of criminal charges.

Dallas Sakebow, 31, of the Witchekan Lake First Nation was charged with theft of a truck and breaking and entering into a residence.

Kelly Witchekan, 22, of the Witchekan Lake First Nation was charged with 11 offences, the RCMP said, including possession of a prohibited firearm with ammunition, carrying a weapon for the purpose of an offence, and using a firearm while committing assault with a weapon.

Shane Witchekan, 31, of the Witchekan Lake First Nation was charged with 12 offences including robbery with a firearm, careless use of a firearm, and possession of a prohibited firearm with ammunition.

Also arrested was Melvin Starblanket, 33, but the RCMP didn’t specify what charges had been laid against him.

The Spiritwood RCMP asked anyone with information on the case to contact police or Crime Stoppers to make a report.