First there was an accident on Saturday in Foam Lake where it’s alleged a driver fled the scene, then the vehicle was found with no one inside and RCMP confirmed it was stolen from Canora. That was the beginning of a pursuit that continued through Yorkton, Melville and Fort Qu’Appelle.
Wadena/Foam Lake RCMP say an officer noticed a man matching the description of the driver walking nearby and when he was told to stop, he pulled out a machete and pointed it at the officer and then held it at his own throat. He fled on foot, and a short time later a truck was reported stolen where officers were told a man with a machete entered a home through an unlocked door. He then took off on Highway 16 heading towards Yorkton.
The truck was spotted near Springside, but it refused to stop. RCMP say an officer was nearly hit when the truck swerved into the oncoming lane.Two spike belts were deployed but the suspect drove into the ditch both times. When the truck entered Yorkton, the pursuit was discontinued for public safety.
Police noticed the vehicle at a gas station where it was being fueled up and attempted to block it, but it fled with the fuel pump still in the vehicle, heading towards Melville. A third spike belt was used which caused the tires to go flat, but the truck continued on to Fort Qu’Appelle and as it entered, it collided with a stop sign. Then there was a foot chase to a backyard where the suspect was surrounded by police. Police say he once again held the machete at his throat. Two tasers were unsuccessful. An officer trained in crisis negotiation made contact with the suspect, but 70 minutes later, he still wouldn’t give up.
Officers then used an extended range weapon that shoots a foam projectile to disable someone. He was arrested, assessed by EMS and taken into custody with no injuries to the suspect or police officers.
A 26 year old man from the Cote First Nation, Tyler Severight, is facing numerous charges including driving while prohibited, failing to stop after an accident, assaulting a peace officer with a weapon, and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
