ONION LAKE CREE NATION - The man who prompted a dangerous person alert has been arrested by police on Onion Lake Cree Nation community.
On July 27, at approximately 9:16 a.m., Onion Lake RCMP responded to a report that Randy Cooke was in possession of a firearm and causing damage at a residence in the Molson Hill area. Cooke left the home before police arrived and was believed to still be armed with a firearm.
Onion Lake RCMP located Cooke walking outside and he appeared to be in possession of a firearm. Police say Cooke ignored verbal commands from the officers to drop the firearm and ran toward a wooded area.
Onion Lake RCMP set up a perimeter to secure the area and help maintain public and officer safety. Additional Saskatchewan RCMP resources were called to assist including officers from the Turtleford RCMP Detachment, Kitscoty RCMP Detachment, and the Critical Incident Response Team, which encompasses the Emergency Response Team and Police Dog Services.
Onion Lake RCMP worked with local band security to re-route traffic and ensure the safety of motorists. A dangerous person alert was issued on the SaskAlert website to inform the community of the incidents and instructions to maintain personal safety.
Officers worked together in the search for Cooke and cleared the wooded area and surrounding outbuildings.
At approximately 4:10 p.m., officers received a tip from a member of the public that Cooke was inside a nearby home. Officers responded immediately and located Cooke. He was arrested without incident and taken into police custody.
Officers are working to identify and locate the weapon Cooke was initially reported to be in possession of.
Cooke made his first court appearance in North Battleford Provincial Court via CCTV.
He had outstanding charges and was additionally charged with possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and
mischief under $5,000.
Onion Lake RCMP say they are thankful for all the support received from local partners, responding units and residents in the Onion Lake community.
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