Friday afternoon, 24-year-old Gabriel Poundmaker made his first appearance in court after being arrested Thursday following a prolonged incident that resulted in the lockdown of a school and evacuation of nearby homes. He was remanded into custody for a further appearance Thursday, Jan 29.
The Crown suggested there would likely be a need for psychiatric and psychological assessment.
Poundmaker is facing numerous charges for incidents dating back to Jan. 5 of this year. The charges include: one count pointing a fire arm; two counts possession of a weapon with the purpose of danger to the public peace; two counts possession of a weapon while being prohibited; one count flight from a peace officer while operating a motor vehicle; one count of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle; and four counts breach of probation order. All are Criminal Code offences.
Poundmaker was arrested Thursday after a situation developed in the area near St. Mary Community School in North Battleford. RCMP responded to a call of a distraught man at a residence on 11th Avenue at about 12:30 p.m.
As a safety measure, say police, the lockdown of St. Mary Community School was enacted and the evacuation of homes in the 1400 block of 11th Avenue took place.
All students and staff of the school were transported by bus to Notre Dame Elementary School and parents were advised they could pick the children up there.
By 5:40 p.m. Poundmaker had been taken into custody, without incident, and those who had been evacuated were able to return to their homes within the hour.
Friday afternoon, the Battlefords RCMP issued a release thanking the City of North Battleford management, employees and citizens for their co-operation and patience during the incident.
"During a tense and volatile situation for our officers and support staff it was reassuring to know that our community was behind us. Agencies such as our North Battleford Fire Department, Community Safety Officers and WPD Ambulance came to our aid offering assistance where needed."
The release also thanked local businesses who came to their aid as well, providing refreshments to the officers holding the perimeter and to those who were evacuated.
"Patience was exercised with those that had to leave their homes and who could not return home for several hours," stated the release. "The Villa Pascal Care Home offered shelter and comfort to those who had been evacuated. Thank you to our victim services team as well for being available to meet with our evacuated families."
St. Mary School and the Light of Christ School Division were also affected and the school took emergency measures for a significant period of time before they were finally able to evacuate.
"The safety of our children is paramount and the school division and St. Mary School are to be commended for their efforts to ensure this," said the release. "To the parents of children who attend this school, thank you for your patience and understanding in a very difficult situation."
The release said all schools and their respective divisions rose to the call, ensuring children were not allowed to leave schools on foot during the incident. Parents were called, buses re-routed and other measures sought to ensure the safety of children after school hours.
"Yesterday proved that when our community works together we are capable of phenomenal things," concluded the release.
Some of Poundmaker's charges stem from incidents of Jan. 14, when RCMP received multiple complaints of an erratic driver in and around the city. Members responded and attempted to initiate a traffic stop of a black Dodge Charger. The lone driver fled from the police driving at high rates of speed throughout the city.
The RCMP report that the man was seen by police and civilian witnesses pointing a firearm at two police officers. Attempts to apprehend the individual were halted because of the potential for pedestrian traffic at that time of day. However, the driver pointed a firearm at a third officer initiating a multi-officer response.
Attempts to apprehend the suspect were again called off due to the high rate of speed the suspect was travelling.
RCMP subsequently issued a news release asking the public's assistance in locating Poundmaker.
