NORTH BATTLEFORD – A North Battleford man who was arrested after police in two provinces teamed up to locate and arrest him was denied bail.
Reagan Racette, 38, was arrested after Maidstone RCMP called for support from officers in Kitscoty and Vermillion, Alta., detachments, the Lloydminster Sask./Alta. Rescue Squad, as well as Cold Lake, Alta., RCMP Police Dog Services.
Police had received a call on July 5 about a rural break and enter and a report of a black car being spotted leaving the property and headed south towards Lloydminster. A side-by-side utility vehicle was found damaged and abandoned in a swamp in the R. M. of Wilton and the suspect was reported to be on foot. The utility vehicle was reported stolen out of Vermillion, Alta.
Police and sniffer dogs tracked down Racette. He was charged with break and enter, flight from police, and possession of stolen property. Racette was also wanted on warrants by Cut Knife, Sask., and Kitscoty, Alta., RCMP detachments for separate investigations of break and enter, theft, and trespassing.
Racette was denied bail on Aug. 4 and was scheduled to appear in North Battleford Provincial Court Aug. 18 but his attendance was waived by defence Andrew Lyster who asked the court that his matter be adjourned a month for what he called "without prejudice discussions."
The Crown objected saying some of Racette’s charges are “somewhat dated.”
Lyster waived delay. In 2016 the Supreme Court ruled cases must be heard within a certain time frame. Jordan’s Decision stipulates that once charges are laid, provincial cases must be heard within 18 months and superior court cases within 30 months.
Racette is expected to appear in court next from the correctional centre by CCTV or phone on Sept. 12.
The charges against Racette haven’t been tested in court.
