Late Friday, Jan. 5, the RCMP issued a 460-word press release pertaining to recent firearms incidents.
Early on the morning of Thursday, Jan. 4, "North Battleford RCMP responded to a complaint of a firearm discharged multiple times near residences on the 1900 block of St. Laurent Street."
The RCMP reports an intial investigation revealed the apartment was vacant. One of the residence windows had been broken. No injuries were reported and the investigation continues.
Later, after midnight between Jan. 4 and 5, RCMP received a complaint of a firearm discharge at a residence on the 1600 block of 107th Street. The RCMP reports several rounds struck the residence but no one was injured.
Shortly after, RCMP recieved a call outside a business on the 900 block of 101 St.
"Investigation has determined a silver car was outside the business when a red van entered the area and a firearm was discharged. One adult male from the silver car was transported to hospital with what was described as a gunshot wound and his injuries were described to police as non-life threatening. Further investigation revealed multiple rounds were also discharged towards the business and through a window."
There were no injuries to anyone in the business.
RCMP located the red van in the city's northeast, and "RCMP emergency equipment was activated to conduct a traffic stop."
"The driver of the suspect vehicle struck the police vehicle and then fled the area. A pursuit of this vehicle was initiated as the van travelled through North Battleford and then south of Battleford on Highway #4. The lone driver, an adult male, was arrested in a rural location south of Battleford."
RCMP members, along with the RCMP Forensic Identification Section, are investigating, and charges are pending as a result of the investigation's outcome.
The incidents aren't all believed to be related but aren't considered random acts.
The release states, "Battlefords RCMP continues to address gang activity and crime in the community."
RCMP asks if anyone has information pertaining to such activity, to call the detachment, or to call anonymously through Crime Stoppers: the release states "the only way anyone will know you contacted Crime Stoppers is if you tell them."
Battlefords RCMP's phone number is 306-446-1720. Contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
News-Optimist staff will be in court Monday morning to report on charges pertaining to the above, and/or other, incidents.
