Two men from Saskatchewan, aged 58 and 49, are facing over 100 criminal charges related to a series of ATM and vehicle thefts across the province. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) reported this development as officials continue to investigate these incidents which primarily took place throughout 2023.
The investigation ignited on November 18, 2023, after RCMP officers received alerts about suspicious activities at a business location. Upon arrival, they discovered significant damage, including a wrecked door and heavy-duty chain remnants. It was soon determined by investigators these men had broken entry, attached the ATM to a vehicle, and forcibly pulled it out, leaving with the machine and approximately $20,000 worth of cigarettes. Remarkably, the stolen ATM was later located abandoned in a nearby field.
These acts were part of what police believe to be widespread criminal endeavors. The Saskatoon RCMP took the reins of the investigation, coordinating efforts with various detachment units and specialized teams across the province. According to Insp. Ashley Levy, Central District operations officer for the Saskatchewan RCMP, this comprehensive collaboration allowed officers to connect dots across multiple incidents, indicating this was not just isolated crime.
Following up on leads from surveillance footage and gathered evidence, RCMP apprehended the first suspect—Wesley John—on March 9, 2024, on Highway #11 south of Saskatoon. His arrest divulged connections to over 20 reported incidents, comprising six ATM heists and several vehicle thefts across Saskatchewan, all drawing considerable police attention.
Further investigations led to another significant arrest on August 1, 2024. Authorities executed search warrants at One Arrow First Nation, leading to the apprehension of 49-year-old Kelly Almightyvoice, who also faced several charges linking him to the ATM theft spree. Both men face numerous charges, including 24 counts of break and enter, 12 counts of possession of proceeds obtained from crime, and 14 counts pertaining to wearing disguises during the commission of these offenses.
Both individuals are now scheduled to appear before the provincial court, with Almightyvoice appearing on August 21 and John set for August 29. The seriousness of the charges emphasizes the impact of their alleged actions not just on businesses directly harmed but on societal perceptions of safety and security within Saskatchewan.
This extensive criminal case underlines the thorough work of the Saskatchewan RCMP, reflecting their commitment to cracking down on crime and re-establishing authority and peace within the community. With their coordinated effort leading to arrest and prosecution, law enforcement hopes to deter future criminal activity by showcasing their investigative strengths and community collaboration.
While the ATM thefts were alarming enough, the additional theft of vehicles signifies potential organization behind these criminals, raising concerns on how they executed these operations without immediate capture. Officials surmise there might be broader networks involved, and investigations are still actively pursuing such leads.
With police continuing to analyze evidence and gather more information, the local community can expect updates and responses to this troubling theft wave. The entire province has been on alert as the investigation draws attention not just regionally but from those outside Saskatchewan, all anticipating not only the outcomes but also any subsequent policy shifts or security measures the police might enforce moving forward.
Saskatchewan, known for its strong communal ties, has faced challenges like these before, but the community’s resilience often shines through comprehensive police work. The RCMP’s ability to interlink various crimes under one expansive investigation raises hope for higher chances of curtailing such organized crime and restoring peace within local settings.
This situation serves as a reminder of the broader safety issues facing communities amid increasing crime rates and below-the-surface operations of criminal activities. Alongside these developments, residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious actions to local authorities, ensuring community participation remains high to deter future incidents.
The arrest of John and Almightyvoice not only puts to rest some immediate community fears but also serves as a beacon of hope, showcasing law enforcement’s unwavering determination to keep Saskatchewan safe and sound from all types of criminal activities. Only with combined effort from law enforcement and citizens can the province overcome this period of insecurity and keep its neighborhoods safe.
