It did not take long for the firearms offences to get started in North Battleford in 2019.
Just two minutes into the new year, just past midnight on Jan 1, Battlefords RCMP received several calls about two males walking on 15th Avenue in North Battleford shooting a rifle in the air.
RCMP report that several units responded and extensively patrolled the area and spoke with witnesses, but suspects were not located.
At 12:25 a.m., RCMP say, they came across two people matching the description of the suspects while responding to another call for service. Suspects were seen walking into the rear yard of a residence on the 1200 block of 111th Street. Other units were called, and police contained the suspects to the rear yard.
As two officers entered the yard, the male pointed a firearm at the officers while hiding behind a female, and threatened to shoot. Responding officers sought cover and tried to verbally engage the suspect.
The male then fled, leaving the female behind, who was taken into custody.
Police then report that officers tracked footprints in the snow from the yard to a residence on 12th Avenue. According to the RCMP, as officers approached the residence they heard yelling and screaming inside. Officers forced their entry into the residence and saw the homeowner and three other males holding down and beating the male suspect, who was still holding the firearm.
Officers then intervened and arrested the suspect. According to the RCMP, officers determined the male had been at a house party at the residence earlier, but was kicked out for unruly behaviour. The male returned and entered forcefully before police arrived.
The name of the suspect is Eric Davis, 38 years old, of North Battleford. Davis is charged with offences including assault with a firearm and uttering threats.
As of Wednesday morning, he was remanded in custody and the investigation was continuing, with police saying more charges are expected. The investigation into the role of the female and actions of the people inside the residence was also continuing.
On Thursday, Davis made his appearance in North Battleford provincial court; he has been remanded by consent to his next appearance on Jan. 29 by closed-circuit TV. He faces 35 counts including break and enter with intent to commit an indictable offence, using a firearm in commission of an offence, possession of a weapon while prohibited, careless use of a firearm, pointing a firearm, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, carrying a concealed weapon, unauthorized possession of a firearm, unauthorized possession of a loaded restricted firearm with ammunition, and possession of a weapon obtained by commission of an offence.
