RCMP say a man faces firearms charges after an incident north of Prince Albert last Tuesday. An SUV was reported stolen from the Prince Albert Detachment area that afternoon and was reported to have firearms in it. It was located abandoned in a wooded area near Macdowall. A call from a member of the public indicated a man carrying a firearm was walking southbound along a wooded trail on the edge of the Nesbitt Forest in the same area.

Prince Albert RCMP and RCMP Police Dog Services responded and began a search that extended into the evening. Saskatoon Police provided air support. They spotted the individual in a heavily wooded, remote area southeast of Macdowall. The 35-year-old was arrested without incident and a firearm was allegedly seized.

Inspector Murray Chamberlin, North District RCMP Operations Officer says, “Imagine being in full police uniform with all your safety equipment and gear on, running through the woods and down makeshift trails for six kilometers with an RCMP police service dog in the darkness. You’re being guided by partners in the air and supported by additional officers on the ground, running towards an individual who reportedly has a firearm. Challenging doesn’t begin to describe situations like this.”

35 year old William “Billy” Sanderson faces a variety of firearms charges. He also had multiple outstanding warrants. He has been remanded for an August 26 court appearance in Prince Albert.