REGINA – Two Regina men are facing numerous charges related to a string of thefts and break-ins in rural communities near the Queen City. The arrests were the culmination of the teamwork of White Butte and Lumsden RCMP Detachements, Regina General Investigation Section, and RPS.
On Dec. 31, 2022, White Butte RCMP responded to a call of a break-in at a rural home near Pilot Butte.
“Investigation determined two vehicles approached the residence,” said RCMP in a media release. “The occupants broke into it and stole a firearm safe containing five firearms as well as an SUV parked outside of it.”
The stolen SUV was burned, but recovered in Regina later that day.
The next target was a commercial building in the RM of Edenwold, occurring Jan. 2. The driver was in a stolen vehicles involved in the Pilot Butte incident.
“The individual stole a number of items, including a snowmobile, which they used to travel,” said RCMP. “The stolen truck was left behind, as were other items - including pieces of stolen identification and an illegally-modified firearm.”
The next day, White Butte RCMP got a call involving the stolen snowmobile, which as observed travelling east of Regina along Highway 46. This time, the thief would not evade police.
“Officers located the snowmobile and arrested the adult male driver without incident,” said RCMP. “They found some of the items reported as stolen from the commercial property near the scene.”
Search warrants were obtained for a couple of residences in Regina, which led to the second male being arrested.
“Officers located and seized a number of items, including the gun safe reported stolen from Pilot Butte on Dec. 31; firearms, firearm components and numerous other items suspected to be stolen,” said RCMP.
Justin McDonald, 31, was charged with two counts mischief under $5,000; and single counts of possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000; break and enter with intent; break, enter, and commit theft; unsafe storage of a firearm; possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle; unauthorized possession of a firearm; possession of a prohibited firearm without license; and theft of other motor vehicle.
Monty Bear, 28, was charged with unsafe storage of a firearm; possess ammunition while prohibited; possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000; and possess identity documents of another person.
Both men were scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 9.
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