Jordache Bear and Bruce Ahenakew will face trial on Nov. 10. (File photo/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Crime

Alleged property thieves opt for trial

Sep 12, 2023 | 2:00 PM

An incident involving a stolen skid steer and a flight from police that ended when the fleeing suspects got stuck in the snow, is proceeding to trial.

Not guilty pleas were entered Monday at Prince Albert Provincial Court by the lawyers representing Jordache Bear and Bruce Ahenakew. A trial date has been scheduled for Nov. 10.

The two were among three people charged in connection to the incident on New Year’s Eve.

Prince Albert RCMP received a report of a suspicious skid steer and trailer parked at a home on Muskoday First Nation. The investigation found both had been stolen from a property in Birch Hills earlier that day.

Three people in a white truck were seen nearby and the same truck drove past the officers as they were investigating the residence on Muskoday.

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When officers attempted a traffic stop, the driver of the truck continued travelling to Highway 3, before turning onto Lake Park Road, then into a snowy field. That’s where the truck got stuck in the snow and the three occupants were arrested.

Inside the vehicle, officers found and seized a firearm and ammunition, which had been improperly stored and were within reach of the occupants.

Bear, 31, from Muskoday First Nation, is facing two counts of possession of stolen property over $5,000, as well as single counts of flight from police, possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle, and possession of a firearm knowing possession is unauthorized.

At the time of her arrest, Bear also had outstanding warrants from Melfort RCMP for theft under $5,000 and failing to comply with an undertaking.

Meanwhile, Ahenakew, 39, from Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation is charged with flight from police, possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle, and possession of a firearm knowing possession is unauthorized.

Also charged was Joel Reese, however, his charges were later stayed by the Crown.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell