Two men were arrested in northwest Saskatchewan on Tuesday morning, following a chase involving three RCMP detachments, provincial conservation officers and search dogs.

Pierceland RCMP spotted a suspicious vehicle on the Big Island Lake Cree Territory, but it sped away. Officers observed it again in the RM of Beaver River a short time later. The vehicle accelerated and drove straight towards the police cruiser and swerved at the last second.

About half an hour later, RCMP received a report that two men in a similar vehicle were trying to steal fuel from a residence in the RM of Big Beaver before they fled again.

Fifteen minutes later, the suspect vehicle drove directly at the police cruiser again and swerved at the last second. A short time later, officers found the abandoned vehicle on Highway 55, just east of Beacon Hill. It had been reported stolen to Lloydminster RCMP on the previous day.

The two men, who had fled on foot, were captured two kilometres away at the end of a search through snow-filled brush and fields. RCMP Police Dog Services assisted in the arrests.

Thirty-two-year-old Josh McLaren of Lloydminster was arrested on a parole violation, as 1 count of assault, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, flight from a peace officer, theft under $5,000 and possession of stolen property over $5,000.

Thirty-six-year old Michael Fisher from Lashburn is charged with theft, possession of stolen property and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
Both men will appear in Pierceland Provincial Court on May 10.