ESTEVAN — The Estevan Police Service (EPS) handled 81 calls for service over the Labour Day long weekend, responding to a variety of incidents ranging from weapons and drug charges to frauds, wellness checks and noise complaints.
On Aug. 29, patrol members conducted a traffic stop after a vehicle left the east-end industrial area. The 48-year-old male driver from Alberta was arrested for possession of cocaine, which was observed in plain view in the vehicle. A search incident to arrest was conducted, during which several weapons, including knives and a machete, were located. As part of the investigation, a Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST) was conducted, during which the male performed poorly. He was transported to the hospital, where blood samples were obtained and analysis is pending. The male was lodged in cells and remanded for court on Sept. 2. He is facing charges of possessing a weapon dangerous to the public, failing to comply with a release order, and possession of cocaine. No further details were immediately available.
Police also conducted a well-being check on a woman believed to be using drugs and experiencing mental health concerns. Officers determined she was healthy and well.
That day, EPS also received a report of theft from a downtown business, which remains under investigation. Another fraud involving a landlord-tenant dispute is also being looked into.
A cellphone reported stolen from the Estevan Public Youth Centre was quickly located, and no further police action was needed.
A second well-being check was conducted, with services offered to the man involved.
That night, patrol members stopped a vehicle leaving the east-end industrial area. Police arrested a 48-year-old Alberta man after cocaine was spotted in plain view. A search of the vehicle turned up several weapons, including knives and a machete.
A Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST) was administered, and the driver performed poorly. He was taken to hospital for blood samples, lodged in cells, and remanded for court Sept. 2. He faces charges of possessing a weapon dangerous to the public, failing to comply with a release order, and cocaine possession.
Speed enforcement on King Street resulted in tickets issued to two youth for driving without due care and attention.
Police also responded to a downtown parking lot after reports of a fight. Witnesses said no fight occurred but a man had been yelling at them before leaving.
Officers are investigating a report of criminal harassment, with statements provided. Multiple curfew checks were conducted, with all subjects found in compliance.
On Aug. 30, a man reported yelling at traffic downtown was escorted home.
Police also received a fraud complaint at a gas station and a report of a suspicious man going door-to-door. Officers confirmed he was a licensed salesman operating legally.
A cellphone and a bicycle were found hidden by a business in the industrial area; police are trying to locate the owners.
A lottery scam was reported in which victims were contacted and told they had won. No money was lost, and the matter was referred to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
On Sept. 1, officers arrested an intoxicated man causing disturbances in a trailer court. He was lodged in cells until sober.
Curfew checks were also conducted, with one person found in breach of conditions. Charges were laid and the individual will be arrested once located.
A traffic stop led to another arrest for impaired driving after a man showed signs of impairment and failed a SFST.
Police responded to reports of youth driving erratically and littering at an east-end business parking lot. Officers spoke with those on scene and will continue patrols.
Multiple noise complaints about possible gunshots were also investigated. In one case, fireworks were being set off, resulting in a bylaw warning. In another, a homeowner was using wildlife “bangers” to scare off coyotes; no firearms were discharged.
