Attempted murder charge laid in connection to Highway 16 incident

A charge of attempted murder has been laid in connection to an exchange of fire with police on Highway 16 April 14.

Tristan Pinder of Elk Point, Alta. now faces one charge of attempted murder with a firearm. Pinder also faces counts of breach of recognizance, possession of stolen property over $5,000, flight from police, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and theft under $5,000.

Co-accused Verena Petrucka of Melville faces charges including discharge of a firearm with intent, assault on a police with a weapon, possession of stolen property over $5,000, flight from police, dangerous operation of a vehicle and theft under $5,000.

Pinder's next court appearance is May 17 in North Battleford Provincial Court while Petrucka appeared again by closed circuit TV May 7, also in provincial court. Her matters have been adjourned to May 29 at 11:30 am, again by CCTV in provincial court; defence counsel indicated they are still awaiting disclosure, which is taking some time due to the complicated nature of the matter. Both suspects remain remanded in custody.

According to an earlier news release from the RCMP, Maidstone RCMP received a complaint of theft from a gas station in Lashburn April 14. The suspect vehicle, a black Dodge Caravan taxicab van, matched the description of a vehicle involved in an alleged robbery and assault with a weapon incident that happened April 13 in Regina.

The vehicle was followed eastbound by police and ultimately stopped just off Highway 16 west of Delmas. According to police, a firearm was discharged from the van. This resulted in an RCMP member discharging a firearm. An RCMP vehicle struck the van and the van became stuck in the ditch. A firearm was pointed towards members and an RCMP member discharged a firearm. The two suspects were arrested at the scene. No RCMP members were injured in the incident.