REGINA – The Regina Police Service (SPS) Aerial Support Unit has once again proven to be an indispensable asset in maintaining public safety. Over the past six days, the unit experienced one of its busiest periods since its inception in 2023.
From May 28 to June 2, the RPS ASU played a role in 75 calls for service. The ASU’s efforts resulted in 36 hours of flight time, 27 people charged, 70 criminal charges laid, and the recovery of four firearms.
“They are able to provide a wealth of information to officers on the ground and, together, they hold offenders accountable in a way that is safer for all involved,” said Lindsey Hoemsen, manager public information and strategic communication for RPS in a media release.
The ASU’s advanced technology and skilled personnel were instrumental in addressing a wide range of incidents, including weapons offences, dangerous driving, and locating suspects fleeing domestic assaults.
Equipped with state-of-the-art infrared cameras and mapping systems, the ASU provides real-time intelligence to ground officers, enhancing operational efficiency and safety for both police and the public.
Among the 75 calls handled last week, three notable cases stand out, say Regina police.
High-speed pursuit ends with arrest
In one incident, dangerous driving charges were laid after the driver of a vehicle tried to evade police.
On June 1 at approximately 3:30 a.m., patrol officers spotted a suspect vehicle near Elphinstone Street and Dewdney Avenue that had repeatedly evaded police in recent weeks. Officers notified the Aerial Support Unit (ASU) before attempting another traffic stop. Once the ASU locked its camera on the vehicle, ground officers activated their emergency lights. The driver initially stopped near Victoria Avenue and Retallack Street but fled at high speed as officers approached.
The ASU tracked the vehicle to a business in the 1800 block of Saskatchewan Drive, where two occupants exited and entered the building. The vehicle then sped onto the bypass before re-entering the city.
The driver eventually stopped outside a residence in the 2000 block of Athol Street and was seen entering the backyard. The RPS Canine Unit located the suspect, who refused to comply with police commands and was subdued by a Police Service Dog.
The man now faces two counts of flight from a peace officer and two counts of dangerous driving.
Firearms charges after suspects flee
Another case involved firearms charges after a suspect attempted to flee police.
Just before 1 a.m. on June 1, officers from the RPS Aerial Support Unit (ASU) spotted a suspicious vehicle near Third Avenue and Montague Street while conducting aerial patrols. They alerted ground units, who attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle fled at high speed through the city.
The ASU tracked the suspect vehicle from the air until it stopped on Mallard Avenue. Both occupants exited and ran into a nearby greenspace. With aerial guidance, ground officers located and arrested the two suspects without further incident. During the pursuit, ASU officers observed the suspects discarding items, which were later recovered.
A search revealed a loaded, sawed-off shotgun and a pellet gun.
A 36-year-old man faces multiple charges, including eight firearms-related offences, flight from police, dangerous driving, and failing to comply with a release order.
Firearm threat
A third incident saw a 47-year-old individual facing firearms-related offences.
On June 1 at approximately 7:40 p.m., police responded to a disturbance at a residence in the 400 block of McIntyre Street. Initial reports indicated that several female suspects and one male suspect had arrived at the location. One individual allegedly attempted to steal a set of keys, while another threatened the victim with a firearm.
The Air Support Unit (ASU) quickly located the scene, observing four people fleeing to a nearby residence and entering the home. A fifth suspect entered a truck in the area. Patrol officers and the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team arrived shortly after, taking five females into custody, four from inside the residence and one from the immediate vicinity. Four were later released without charges, while the fifth was arrested on outstanding warrants.
Further investigation revealed a male suspect hiding in a crawlspace inside the home. He was arrested without incident.
Officers also recovered a CO2 handgun under a wooden walkway outside the residence, as well as ammunition and CO2 cartridges inside the truck.
The 47-year-old suspect faces charges of assault with a weapon and three firearms-related offences.
ASU works closely with patrol officers
Since its launch in early 2023, RPS ASU has worked closely with patrol officers and specialized units like the Stolen Auto Unit to combat crime and reduce victimization in Regina. The team consists of six members – two pilots and four Tactical Flight Officers (TFOs). All pilots are trained RPS officers with commercial licenses, while the TFOs monitor police radios, operate camera systems, and coordinate with ground units. Each shift operates with one pilot and one TFO in the aircraft.
ASU’s aircraft, a 2005 Cessna 182T, is outfitted with a high-resolution infrared camera capable of capturing detailed footage day or night. This technology allows officers to quickly assess crime scenes, tract suspects, and identify potential hazards. Beyond criminal apprehensions, the ASU plays a critical role in locating missing or vulnerable persons, providing city-wide coverage.
