Cut Knife RCMP is searching for a 19-year-old man charged with armed robbery after an attempted truck theft on Poundmaker Cree Nation. He is known to travel to Lloydminster.
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Police identified the man as Jeremiah Sokwaypnace. Mounties say he is also known to frequent North Battleford and Cut Knife in addition to the Border City.
What happened on Poundmaker Cree Nation
RCMP received a report of an attempted vehicle theft around 12:30 a.m. on Oct. 9, according to police.
Investigators determined an armed man approached an occupied truck and tried to steal it. The driver, the only person inside the vehicle, fled in the truck, while the suspect ran away on foot, police say.
The driver did not report any physical injuries, according to RCMP.
Charges laid against Sokwaypnace
Following the investigation, Sokwaypnace was charged with one count of robbery with a weapon under Section 344 of the Criminal Code, along with one count of possession of a firearm when knowing possession unauthorized under Section 92(1).
He also faces one count of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose under Section 88(1), two counts of weapons or firearms possession contrary to a court order under Section 117.01(1), and two counts of failing to comply with a probation order under Section 733.1(1).
Additional charges include one count of unauthorized possession of a firearm under Section 91(1) and one count of possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle under Section 94(1), RCMP say. None of the charges has been proven in court.
Description and vehicle sought
RCMP describe Sokwaypnace as five-foot-nine and 170 pounds, with brown eyes and short brown hair. He has a tattoo on his left hand, according to police.
He may be driving a black Dodge 1500 truck, Mounties say. Police have released a photo of Sokwaypnace as part of the public appeal.
The case follows a string of recent RCMP appeals across the region, including an effort by Cut Knife RCMP to identify break-and-enter suspects and an earlier investigation after a drug seizure on Poundmaker Cree Nation led to an arrest.
Public safety warning for Lloydminster residents
RCMP say anyone who sees Sokwaypnace should not approach him. Police describe him as potentially armed and dangerous.
Mounties say they will notify the public directly if an imminent risk to public safety is identified.
Anyone with information on Sokwaypnace’s whereabouts is asked to contact local police at 310-RCMP (7267). Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or through saskcrimestoppers.com.
Cut Knife RCMP say the investigation remains ongoing.
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