Community Alert: Armed Vehicle Theft and Arrests Near North Battleford

Incident Overview

In the early hours of April 2, 2026, officers from the Battlefords RCMP arrested two adult males following an armed vehicle theft just outside North Battleford, Saskatchewan. A driver who had offered a ride to two pedestrians was threatened with a firearm, and his truck was stolen and driven away along Highway 4.

The victim managed to escape from the vehicle before the suspects left the scene. A firearm was discharged during the incident, but there were no injuries reported to police. RCMP members quickly located the stolen truck still travelling on Highway 4, pursued it, and later arrested two suspects on Red Pheasant Cree Nation with assistance from Police Dog Services. A shotgun was recovered at the scene.

Official RCMP Details

At approximately 3:00 a.m. on April 2, 2026, Battlefords RCMP received a report of a robbery involving a firearm near North Battleford. An adult male driving a truck picked up two adult male pedestrians. Once inside the vehicle, the two passengers pointed a firearm at the driver, threatened him, and took control of the truck, heading southbound on Highway 4. The victim exited the truck before it left the area. During the offence, the firearm was fired, but no injuries were reported.

RCMP officers rapidly located the suspects and the stolen truck still travelling on Highway 4. When police activated emergency equipment and attempted a traffic stop, the truck failed to stop. Officers deployed a tire deflation device, which the truck struck before being abandoned on Red Pheasant Cree Nation. The suspects fled on foot but were tracked and arrested shortly after 3:30 a.m. with the support of Battlefords RCMP Police Dog Services. A shotgun was seized from the scene. No injuries to the victim, suspects, or officers were reported.

Accused: Austin Crevier, 29, from Edmonton, Alberta

Austin Crevier, age 29, from Edmonton, Alberta, has been charged with the following offences under the Criminal Code of Canada:

• One count of robbery with a firearm (Section 344)
• One count of using a firearm while committing an offence (Section 85(1)(a))
• One count of unauthorized possession of a firearm (Section 91(1))
• One count of possession of a prohibited weapon while knowing possession is unauthorized (Section 92(1))
• One count of flight from a police officer (Section 320.17)
• One count of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle (Section 320.13(1))
• One count of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose (Section 88(1))
• One count of discharging a firearm while being reckless (Section 244.2(3))
• One count of failing to comply (Section 733.1(1))
• One count of carrying a concealed weapon (Section 90(1))
• Twelve counts of weapons possession contrary to order (Section 117.01(1))
• One count of resisting or obstructing a police officer (Section 129(a))
• Two counts of uttering threats to property or animals (Section 264.1(1))

RCMP further note that Crevier was already wanted on a warrant by Elk Point RCMP in Alberta for multiple offences, including firearms-related charges.

Accused: Bobby Lacombe, 31, from Fishing Lake First Nation, Saskatchewan

Bobby Lacombe, age 31, from Fishing Lake First Nation, Saskatchewan, has been charged with:

• One count of resisting or obstructing a police officer (Section 129(a))
• One count of robbery with a firearm (Section 344)
• One count of using a firearm while committing an offence (Section 85(1)(a))
• One count of unauthorized possession of a firearm (Section 91(1))
• One count of possession of a prohibited weapon while knowing possession is unauthorized (Section 92(1))
• Ten counts of weapons possession contrary to order (Section 117.01(1))

According to RCMP, Lacombe was also the subject of an outstanding warrant from Elk Point RCMP for multiple offences, including firearms charges, and is additionally wanted on a Canada-wide parole warrant.

Both accused are scheduled to appear in North Battleford Provincial Court on April 6, 2026. RCMP leadership emphasized that the swift response of officers helped to bring this high-risk situation to an end without injuries. While this incident occurred in Saskatchewan, firearm-related robberies and vehicle thefts remain a concern across Canada, including in smaller communities such as those tracked in our Fort Rupert 1 crime statistics and safety data.

CrimeCanada.ca Safety Perspective

From the perspective of CrimeCanada.ca, this incident in the Battlefords region highlights how quickly routine acts of kindness—such as offering a ride—can turn into serious threats when weapons are involved. Armed robberies and vehicle thefts present a direct risk to individual safety and can also affect wider feelings of security in communities across Saskatchewan and beyond. Our national data, including monitoring in smaller jurisdictions like those featured in our Fort Ware 1 safety statistics, shows that weapons offences can occur in both urban and rural settings.

Residents are encouraged to prioritize personal safety when interacting with unknown individuals, particularly in isolated areas or during overnight hours. If you ever witness suspicious behaviour, hear gunshots, or see a possible impaired or dangerous driver, call your local police or emergency services immediately. Reporting early helps authorities intervene quickly, as occurred in this case, reducing the risk of injury and supporting safer communities throughout Saskatchewan.

Official Source & Community Safety

This safety alert is based on an official release from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). CrimeCanada.ca aggregates and analyzes this data to keep the saskatchewan community informed, aware, and safe. We are an independent safety data aggregator and not the original creators of the underlying incident report.

Read the full official release here: RCMP Official Statement.