Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
On September 2, 2023 at approximately 10:40 a.m., White Butte RCMP received a report of a robbery at a rural property in Avonhurst, SK.
Investigation determined a male and a female approached the property and broke into a garage. They threatened an adult female with a firearm and assaulted her. The suspects then stole a vehicle, which they fled in.
The adult female victim was taken to hospital with injuries described as serious but non-life-threatening.
Officers from the White Butte, Lumsden, Fort Qu’Appelle and Southey detachments as well as Saskatchewan RCMP’s Police Dog Services began searching for the suspects.
Officers located the suspect vehicle on Highway #210 and attempted a traffic stop. The suspect vehicle did not stop and continued at a high rate of speed onto Highway #10. The suspects entered a field and officers were able to disable the vehicle and arrest the male and female occupants.
A separate vehicle, reported as stolen from Regina, was located abandoned near the location of the robbery. Officers located and seized numerous items believed to be stolen from these vehicles including a firearm, an air rifle, as well as banking and ID cards.
As a result of continued investigation, 22-year-old Taylor Asapace and 26-year-old Joseph Antoine are each charged with:
- one count, use a firearm during an indictable offence, Section 85(1)(a), Criminal Code;
- one count, carry a weapon for a dangerous purpose, Section 88, Criminal Code;
- one count, aggravated assault, Section 268(1), Criminal Code;
- one count, break, enter and commit, Section 348(1)(b), Criminal Code;
- one count, theft of motor vehicle, Section 333.1(1), Criminal Code;
- two counts, theft under $5,000, Section 334(b), Criminal Code;
- one count, careless transport of a firearm, Section 86(1), Criminal Code;
- one count, unlicensed possession of a firearm, Section 91(1), Criminal Code; and
- one count, break, enter and theft under $5,000, Section 348(1)(b), Criminal Code.
Taylor Asapace was also arrested on a warrant from Regina Police Service.
Joseph Antoine is also charged with:
- one count, point a firearm, Section 87, Criminal Code;
- one count, possession of a firearm while prohibited, Section 117.01(1), Criminal Code;
- one count, failure to stop for peace officer, Section 320.17, Criminal Code;
- one count, dangerous operation of a conveyance, Section 320.13(1), Criminal Code; and
- one count, operate a conveyance while prohibited, Section 320.18(1)(b), Criminal Code;
Taylor Asapace and Joseph Antoine both appeared in Regina Provincial Court on September 5, 2023.
White Butte RCMP continues to investigate. Anyone with information should contact their local police service of jurisdiction. Dial 310-RCMP to reach your local detachment. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.