“The victim was able to flee and call police,” the Saskatoon Police Service said in a statement. “Upon arrival officers were able to locate the suspect.” (geroiasfalta.91/Depositphotos.com)

Hatchet-wielding man charged after allegedly trying to rob victim sitting on park bench

By CKOM News Jul 2, 2026 | 10:01 AM

A 33-year-old Saskatoon man has been charged with robbery after allegedly threatening a man with a hatchet during a failed mugging.

According to police, the victim said he was sitting on a park bench on Spadina Crescent at around 1 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon when a man approached him, threatened him with the tool and demanded his phone.

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“The victim was able to flee and call police,” the Saskatoon Police Service said in a statement. “Upon arrival officers were able to locate the suspect.”

In addition to the robbery charge, police said the man is also facing a charge of breaching court-ordered conditions.

Police make 196 new arrests during enforcement project in high-crime areas

Police in Saskatoon made nearly 200 arrests in May during a project aiming to address issues in high-crime areas.

According to the police force, the project ran for 10 days between May 19 and May 30, with officers focusing on areas around Eighth Street, 20th Street and 22nd Street.

Police said the effort led to 196 new arrests and 181 new charges against 91 people. Officers also executed outstanding warrants on 117 people.

The project also saw police seize one gun, 23 “bladed weapons,” six canisters of bear spray and small quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, gabapentin and pregabalin.

“This project demonstrates that strategic investment in the right resources being deployed with purpose and supported by partnership can suppress crime in our community while removing violent offenders and dangerous weapons from our streets,” Cameron McBride, Saskatoon’s police chief, said in a statement.

“Pairing community partnerships with focused enforcement is a key component to keeping Saskatoon safe.”