On June 16, Île-à-la-Crosse RCMP received a report of a wanted man travelling in an SUV on Highway #155, between Île-à-la-Crosse and Beauval.
Officers from Île-à-la-Crosse and Beauval RCMP detachments located the SUV parked on the side of the highway and arrested the wanted man and the passenger. The wanted man initially provided police with a false name.
During a search of the vehicle, police located and seized an imitation firearm, an axe, and a firearm.
As a result of investigation, 37-year-old Barry Opekokew from Eagles Lake IR, part of Canoe Lake Cree First Nation, has been charged with:
- One count, possession of firearm in motor vehicle
- Six counts, weapons possession contrary to order
- One count, operation while prohibited
- One count, possession of weapon for dangerous purpose
- One count, resists/obstruct peace officer
- One count, identity fraud
- One count, possession of a firearm when knowing possession unauthorized
Opekokew was wanted on warrant by Saskatchewan RCMP for charges including robbery with a firearm, assault, assault with a weapon, aggravated assault, pointing a firearm, and flight from peace officer.
Opekokew is scheduled to appear in court in Île-à-la-Crosse on June 24.
The passenger was released without charges. Saskatchewan RCMP continue to investigate.
