UPDATE: RCMP gun reported stolen, turned in to Saskatoon police
The Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) believe they have arrested the person who stole an RCMP handgun last week, however, no gun has been found.
The theft occurred in downtown Saskatoon on the night of Aug. 8. An unmarked RCMP vehicle was broken into in a hotel parkade, and the firearm and ammunition were taken.
Members of the SPS bike unit arrested a 60-year-old man matching the suspect’s description near the intersection of 3rd Avenue South and 21st Street East at roughly 5:30 p.m. CT Aug. 13.
Two searches were executed at homes in the 500-block of Avenue F South and the 100-block of Avenue T South Aug. 14. Neither search yielded the stolen firearm.
The Saskatoon man is facing charges of theft under $5,000 and possession of a controlled substance. He was released from custody on conditions and scheduled to make his first court appearance Sept. 4.
Investigation into the whereabouts of the stolen gun are ongoing.
It is described as a 9-mm Smith & Wesson 5946 with serial number BDX1238. The silver firearm has a black grip, and an RCMP image etched on the side.
Saskatchewan RCMP said it would be conducting an internal review into the circumstances that led up to the theft, and one of its members would be temporarily re-assigned to administrative duties.
Anyone with information is asked to contact SPS at 306-975-8300 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.