Big River RCMP: four arrested after firearm discharge, fleeing from police

September 29, 2026 - Big River First Nation, Saskatchewan
From: Saskatchewan RCMP

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Big River RCMP arrested four adults after they fled from police following a firearm discharge on Big River First Nation.

On September 26, 2026 at approximately 3:00 p.m., Big River RCMP received a report of a firearm discharge on Big River First Nation. 

Investigation determined several individuals discharged a firearm in the direction of a vehicle parked at a residential property. The suspects were believed to be inside of a vehicle at the time of the firearm discharge. The parked vehicle did not receive any damage, and no injuries were reported to police in relation to the firearm being discharged.

Saskatchewan RCMP’s Meadow Lake Crime Reduction Team (CRT) and Meadow Lake and Prince Albert Police Dog Services (PDS) were engaged to assist in the search for the suspects.

A short time later, the vehicle and suspects were located in a parking lot in Debden. Officers activated their vehicle’s emergency equipment and initiated a traffic stop. The vehicle did not stop and fled from police. The vehicle fled north on Highway #55 before entering the ditch. Three of the four occupants fled on foot. The fourth individual did not flee and was arrested without incident. 

The police dog tracked the suspects and led officers to locate and arrest the three adult males. 

During a search of the vehicle, officers located and seized two firearms and ammunition. One of the seized firearms was loaded. 

As a result of investigation, 39-year-old Shane Bear from Big River First Nation is charged with:

• two counts, fail to comply with release order condition, Section 145(5)(a), Criminal Code;
• one count, flight from peace officer, Section 320.17, Criminal Code;
• one count, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, Section 320.13(1), Criminal Code;
• one count, operation while prohibited, Section 320.18, Criminal Code;
• two counts, weapons possession contrary to order and fail to surrender authorization, Section 117.01(1), Criminal Code;
• three counts, possession of a firearm when knowing possession is unauthorized, Section 92(1), Criminal Code;
• two counts, unsafe storage of a firearm, Section 86(2), Criminal Code; and
• one count, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, Section 88(1), Criminal Code.

38-year-old Barry Morin from Big River First Nation, 36-year-old Garry Swiftwolfe from Big River First Nation, and 34-year-old Jacob Verhey from Debden are all charged with:

• two counts, unsafe storage of a firearm, Section 86(2), Criminal Code;
• two counts, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, Section 88(1), Criminal Code; and
• two counts, unauthorized possession of a non-restricted firearm, Section 91(1), Criminal Code;

Shane Bear, Garry Swiftwolfe, and Jacob Verhey are scheduled to appear in Prince Albert Provincial Court on October 1, 2026. Barry Morin is scheduled to appear in court in Whitefish on November 10, 2026 (Information #90644844 for all).

Big River RCMP continue to investigate.