Local RCMP were instrumental in the arrest of a man who is facing first degree murder charges after a woman was killed in Maclean, roughly 400 kilometres south of the Battlefords.
John Robert Strang was spotted in his lime green Jeep Wrangler by an off duty officer late Sunday south of Battleford, travelling north on Highway 29 toward the Highway 40 junction. The off-duty member followed the vehicle until additional members arrived at the location. According to police a roadblock was set up at the intersection of Highways 29 and 40.
The 48-year-old Strang was located and arrested without incident by members from the Battlefords, Cut Knife, and Unity RCMP detachments at approximately 12:30 a.m. Monday, according to a release issued by “F” Division Media Relations.
After he was arrested, Strang was taken to hospital in North Battleford for treatment of minor injuries that occurred prior to his contact with police. After treatment and an assessment by a physician he was released to the RCMP and remains in RCMP custody. The charge of first degree murder has been made by the Indian Head RCMP Detachment.
Strang was to appear before a Justice of the Peace in North Battleford Monday and is being held in custody until his next court appearance in provincial court in Regina.
Prior to the arrest, a request was made to the Saskatoon Police Service, requesting the assistance of their Air Support Unit. However, Strang was arrested prior to the arrival of the SPS Air Support Unit. RCMP Police Dog Services - Saskatoon, conducted a search of the area where Strang was located after he was taken into custody. This is common practice with incidents like this, say RCMP.
Strang is charged with killing 47-year-old Lisa Strang from the McLean area. She was located deceased in her residence shortly after 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug 1. At the time of her death she was in a relationship with and living in the same residence as John Strang. She was director of finance for the Saskatchewan Party.
The investigation is ongoing with the assistance of RCMP Major Crime Unit - South, RCMP Forensic Identification Section - Regina, RCMP General Investigation Sections - Regina and Swift Current, RCMP Montmartre Detachment, RCMP Canora Detachment and the Office of the Coroner.
