On March 11, 2014, shortly before 7pm, Melita RCMP received a report of an armed robbery that had occurred at Waterboy’s Store in Melita, Manitoba.
Police say that a male subject, wearing a white ski mask and armed with a rifle entered the premises, threatened the employee and demanded cash. He then fled in a vehicle after receiving an undisclosed amount of cash. There were no injuries.
On March 12, 2014, shortly before 10:30am, during the course of the investigation, Melita RCMP received a report of a “gas and dash” from a gas station in Melita. The description of the suspect vehicle matched that of the vehicle from the armed robbery.
Police attempted a vehicle stop in the town of Melita, however the suspect vehicle fled and continued down rural highways and roads into Saskatchewan. A spike belt was deployed resulting in the deflation of three tires, however the suspect was still able to drive for approximately thirty minutes on three rims.
Suspect vehicle ends up in a snow filled ditch after a spike belt was deployed, resulting in the deflation of three tires.
With the assistance of Carnduff RCMP, the pursuit came to a successful conclusion on Highway 8 in Saskatchewan, when the suspect attempted to go around police vehicles and ended up in a snow filled ditch.
Investigation revealed that the firearm and truck were both stolen. The 2007 Ford F-350 was stolen out of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
RCMP report that a 26-year-old male of Estevan, Saskatchewan, faces numerous charges in connection with the armed robbery. He is currently in custody at the Brandon Correctional Centre and will appear in Brandon Provincial Court.
RCMP Westman Detachment, RCMP Forensic Identification Services and RCMP Brandon Major Crime Unit continue with the investigation.
