A resident of Paddockwood near Prince Albert wants to know a citizen’s rights when it comes to responding to criminal activity. Don McKnight says a resident of the RM was reprimanded earlier this week for blocking a road to prevent the escape of several people suspected of breaking into a local compound. McKnight says the blockade was up for an hour and a half until RCMP arrived. He says it took several hours for a combination of McKnight applauded the diligence of law enforcement but says knowing what residents are allowed to do in such situations would help them decide whether to take action. McKnight also figures if he knows RCMP in the area don’t come on duty until 8 o’clock in the morning, the criminals likely know that too.

Meanwhile, RCMP pulled in numerous resources in the incident.  In addition to the Prince Albert detachment Lakeland District Protective Services and the RCMP responded and a Provincial Response Team was also requested. RCMP Police Dog Services and Combined Traffic Services from Prince Albert also helped. The sole occupant was taken into custody. RCMP say a storage compound in the area had been broken into and stolen property from there was found in the vehicle, including a firearm.

Police believed there were more people involved so a perimeter was set up blocking the access roads and while patrolling the Okimaw Beach area, officers noticed a cabin that had been broken into. The Provincial Response Team patrolled and contained the area for about 5 hours and 3 alleged suspects were found in a wooded area near Tweedsmuir.
All four men, ranging in age from 29 to 41 are facing break and enter and theft charges.
Two are also facing a possession of a weapon obtained by crime charge, among others.