Three people arrested by the RCMP Crime Reduction Team - used to catch gang members and prolific offenders - haven’t been released on bail.
Onion Lake Cree Nation residents Lyndon Belly, 34, Wanita Harper, 30, and Cheyenne Harper, 27, from Lloydminster, had show cause hearings scheduled in Lloydminster Provincial Court Aug. 24 but remain in custody. They also had show cause hearings on Aug. 17.
The three were arrested by the CRT, which was sent to Onion Lake Aug. 12 to 16 to help reduce gang activity.
The CRT tried to stop a truck on Aug. 15 for a traffic violation but the driver of the vehicle sped away. Twice the CRT police officers put spike belts on Hwy 17 to intercept the vehicle but the truck left the highway. The CRT officers followed the truck and saw two women and one man flee from the vehicle. They broke into a residence in an attempt to avoid police. The CRT officers arrested them and seized a small amount of cocaine, drug paraphernalia and $2,085 in Canadian currency.
Belly was charged with break and enter, resisting arrest, possession of property obtained by crime and possession of cocaine. Wanita Harper was charged with break and enter, resisting arrest, fleeing from police, driving while disqualified, refusing to provide blood alcohol samples, and dangerous operation of a vehicle. Cheyenne Harper was charged with break and enter and resisting arrest.
Wanita has another show cause hearing Aug. 27 in Lloydminster Provincial Court. Cheyenne Harper’s show cause hearing is set for Aug. 31 in Lloydminster Provincial Court. And Belly’s show cause hearing is scheduled for Sept. 14 in Lloydminster Provincial Court.
The charges against the three co-accused haven’t been proven in court.
The RCMP CRT members collaborate with communities and partner agencies to reduce gang violence and activity. There are two CRTs operated by the RCMP in Saskatchewan – Prince Albert and North Battleford. Provincially funded police resources in Saskatoon, Regina and Prince also have CRTs.
