Meadow Lake — Meadow Lake RCMP investigating fatal rollover

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

On January 9, 2025 at approximately 6:15 a.m., Meadow Lake RCMP received a report of a single-vehicle rollover on Highway #55, just east of Flying Dust First Nation.

Officers responded along with Meadow Lake Fire Department and EMS. The sole occupant of the vehicle was declared deceased by EMS at the scene. He has been identified as a 40-year-old male from Meadow Lake, SK. His family has been notified.

Meadow Lake RCMP continue to investigate with the assistance of a Saskatchewan RCMP collision reconstructionist.

Highway #55 was temporarily closed but has since been re-opened.

Yorkton — Saskatchewan RCMP arrest one in Yorkton drug trafficking investigation

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

An adult male is facing drug trafficking charges after Saskatchewan RCMP executed a search warrant at a residence in Yorkton, SK.

On January 7, 2025 officers from the Saskatchewan RCMP’s Yorkton Saskatchewan Trafficking Response Team (STRT) arrested an adult male in Yorkton as part on an ongoing drug trafficking investigation. While searching the individual and his vehicle, officers located and seized methamphetamine, cocaine, cash and evidence of drug trafficking.

On January 8, 2025 officers from Yorkton STRT executed a search warrant at a residence on Fietz Street in Yorkton in relation to the investigation. While searching the residence, officers located and seized methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, cash and other evidence of drug trafficking.

In total, Yorkton STRT located and seized nearly 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, 936.5 grams of cocaine, 133 grams of fentanyl and approximately $6,000 in cash.

As a result of investigation, 20-year-old Taranpreet Singh of Yorkton, SK is facing the following charges:

  • one count, possession for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine, Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;
  • one count, possession for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine, Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;
  • one count, possession for the purpose of trafficking – fentanyl, Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act; and
  • one count, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, Section 354(1)(a), Criminal Code.

Taranpreet Singh made his first appearance in Yorkton Provincial Court on January 9, 2025.

North Battleford — Saskatchewan RCMP charge two in North Battleford

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

On January 8 at approximately 6 p.m., Saskatchewan RCMP officers with the North Battleford Crime Reduction Team – Gang Task Force (CRT-GTF) received a report that an offender with active warrants related to an ongoing Saskatoon Police Service investigation was travelling in the North Battleford area.

RCMP North Battleford CRT-GTF and Police Dog Services (PDS) officers located the adult male at a business on Railway Ave East in North Battleford. While the individual was in the business, officers blocked the suspect vehicle to prevent him from fleeing in it.

When the individual exited the business, officers informed him he was under arrest. The individual resisted arrest, fled from officers and climbed onto the roof of an unrelated vehicle in the parking lot. The civilian occupant was safely removed from the vehicle. They did not report any physical injuries to police.

Officers attempted verbal de-escalation techniques with the suspect, however the individual was uncooperative and remained on the roof of the vehicle.

Officers deployed a 40mm extended range impact round and a conducted energy device concurrently. The individual fell from the vehicle and was arrested by RCMP North Battleford CRT-GTF, PDS and Battlefords Detachment officers.

The individual was assessed by EMS at the scene. He was then transported to hospital where he was evaluated by medical staff and deemed fit to be released back into RCMP custody and held at Battlefords Detachment.

Officer’s searched the vehicle the suspect was driving and seized a conducted energy device, a small amount of methamphetamine and other evidence of drug trafficking, forged documents and unstamped tobacco.

As a result of investigation, 35-year-old Rolfe Herman of La Loche, SK is charged with:

  • one count, possession for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine, Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;
  • one count, possession of a prohibited/restricted weapon, Section 92(2), Criminal Code;
  • two counts, resisting/obstructing peace officer, Section 129(1), Criminal Code; and
  • two counts, fail to comply with probation order, Section 733.1(1), Criminal Code.

Rolfe Herman is scheduled to make his first appearance in North Battleford Provincial Court on January 10, 2025.

A second adult male – a passenger in the vehicle the suspect was driving – was arrested at a nearby business. As a result of investigation, 42-year-old Clinton Opekokew from Île-à-la-Crosse, SK, is charged with:

  • one count, possession for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine, Section 5(2), Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;
  • one count, possession of a prohibited/restricted weapon, Section 92(2), Criminal Code;
  • one count, possession of stolen property under $5,000, Section 354(1)(a), Criminal Code;
  • two counts, use/traffic/possess a forged document, Section 368(1), Criminal Code; and
  • one count, identity theft, Section 402.2(1), Criminal Code.

Clinton Opekokew is scheduled to make his first appearance in North Battleford Provincial Court on January 10, 2025.

CISA Releases Venue Guide for Security Enhancements

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

WASHINGTON – Today the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) released a new Venue Guide for Security Enhancements to help venue operators enhance safety, protect assets, and create secure environments through effective security measures and best practices.

“Venues have increasingly become targets, yet many lack the resources to secure their day-to-day operations and special events effectively,” said Dr. David Mussington, CISA’s Executive Assistant Director for Infrastructure Security. “In response, and in collaboration with industry experts and security professionals, our agency has developed this guide to empower venue operators with the tools needed to identify and manage risk effectively.”

This guide aims to help venue operators enhance safety, protect assets, and create secure environments through effective security measures and best practices by:

  1. Providing guidance for venues, such as evaluating security measures, complexity levels, costs, options, and threats mitigated by these measures. By balancing these factors, venues can create a secure environment for operators and guests.
  2. Recommending broadly applicable considerations for evaluating security practices, such as assessing measures and improving physical security compliance to ensure staff and visitor safety.
  3. Offering actionable guidance for prioritizing the most effective security practices and proactively reducing the risk of major threats.
  4. Providing venue operators with a tailored menu of security options, allowing them to select the most suitable and effective measures for their venue’s budget, size, location, and risk factors.

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About CISA 

As the nation’s cyber defense agency and national coordinator for critical infrastructure security, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency leads the national effort to understand, manage, and reduce risk to the digital and physical infrastructure Americans rely on every hour of every day.

Visit CISA.gov for more information and follow us on XFacebookLinkedIn, Instagram

Clark’s Harbour — Barrington RCMP arrest and charge Clark’s Harbour man with over 40 offences

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Barrington RCMP Detachment has arrested and charged a Lower Clarks Harbour man after multiple serious and violent offences over several days.

On January 6, RCMP officers responded to a report of a break and enter at a home in Clark’s Harbour. Investigators learned that 54-year-old Steven Goreham had attended the residence on January 4 and 5 and made threats to the occupant. At the time of these incidents, Goreham was on conditions to not attend the home and had an active arrest warrant.

Barrington RCMP, the Nova Scotia RCMP Emergency Response Team, and Nova Scotia RCMP Police Dog Services attended Clark’s Harbour in an attempt to locate and arrest Goreham.

Attempts to locate Goreham continued in the following days.

On January 9 at approximately 3:30 a.m., Shelburne RCMP responded to a report that Goreham had broken into a residence in Lower Ohio, stolen a vehicle, and showed that he had a firearm with him at the time.

Officers located the stolen vehicle parked outside of a building near Barrington. When Goreham exited the building, he pointed a firearm at an officer who was arriving on scene then fled in the stolen vehicle towards Yarmouth on Hwy. 103.

Officers safely arrested Goreham when the stolen vehicle he was driving went in the ditch near the Yarmouth / Shelburne county line. They located and seized a loaded firearm from the floor of the vehicle.

Goreham had a first court appearance on January 9. He is facing 48 new charges for the incidents on January 5, 6, and 9, including Pointing a Firearm, two counts of Assault with a Weapon, three counts of Break and Enter, and 19 counts of Fail to Comply with Release Order, in addition to earlier charges from the previous warrant. Goreham was remanded in custody, pending future court appearances.

“The RCMP in Shelburne County dedicated a great deal of time and resources to these events as they unfolded throughout the week. We received numerous tips from the public as we searched for the suspect and want to thank those who called us and for looking out for their fellow residents. This incident was resolved without any injuries to anyone involved and we are grateful for that. The RCMP are committed to making our communities safe and we do that in partnership with our partners and community members,” says S/Sgt. Mark MacPherson, Shelburne RCMP Detachment Commander.

In addition to Barrington RCMP Detachment and Shelburne RCMP Detachment, other units supporting this investigation have included the Shelburne County Street Crime Enforcement Unit, the Nova Scotia RCMP Forensic Identification Services, and the National Weapons Enforcement Support Team.

Bonavista — Bonavista RCMP investigates theft at Foodland, seeks public assistance

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Bonavista RCMP is investigating a theft at Foodland that occurred on January 3, 2025.

At approximately 3:30 p.m. last Friday, a man entered Bonavista Foodland, obtained a number of food items and departed the store without paying. The suspect, pictured below, was seen wearing grey jeans, a black jacket with grey hood, and black Under Armour sneakers.

Anyone with any information about this crime or the identity of the suspect is asked to contact Bonavista RCMP at 709-468-7341. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app. #SayItHere

Stephenville — Wanted man arrested without incident by Bay St. George RCMP, woman arrested for obstruction and assaulting police

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Wanted man, 38-year-old Shane White of Benoit’s Cove was arrested without incident on January 9, 2025, by Bay St. George RCMP at a residence in Spruce Brook. During his arrest, 44-year-old Kristy Osmond, obstructed police and was arrested.

At approximately 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, acting on information received, Bay St. George RCMP attended a home on Spruce Brook Road in Spruce Brook to arrest Shane White, who was allegedly hiding from police inside the home. After lengthy negotiations, White exited the home, surrendering himself to police. During White’s arrest, Osmond obstructed officers in the execution of their duties. She was arrested for obstruction. During her arrest, Osmond assaulted both officers and resisted arrest.

Osmond, who is currently before the court charged with assaulting a police officer, attends court today, January 10, 2025. She is charged with the following criminal offences:

  • Obstructing a police officer
  • Resisting arrest
  • Assaulting a police officer – two counts

White, who was wanted by both the RCMP and RNC was transported to Her Majesty’s Penitentiary in Corner Brook and attends court today. He is charged with the following offences:

  • Robbery
  • Robbery with the use of a firearm
  • Extortion with a firearm
  • Unauthorized possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle
  • Failure to attend court – two counts
  • Failure to comply with a condition of a release order – eight counts

RCMP NL continues to fulfill its mandate to protect public safety, enforce the law, and ensure the delivery of priority policing services in Newfoundland and Labrador.

St. John’s — RCMP Federal Policing – Eastern Region executes warrant on Cashin Avenue home and arrests two individuals, drugs and firearms seized

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

In continuing with drug enforcement in Newfoundland and Labrador, RCMP Federal Policing – Eastern Region, with the assistance of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, searched a home on Cashin Avenue in St. John’s yesterday. Two individuals, 43-year-old Christa Hollett and 38-year-old Rodrigues Ryan, were arrested and charged.

At approximately 6:00 p.m. on January 9, 2025, as part of an ongoing RCMP investigation, police officers with the RCMP, including the Emergency Response Team and Police Dog Services, and RNC, including the Tactical Response Unit and Police Dog Service, attended the home. A warrant to search the property, authorized under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, was executed. The home was breached using the RCMP Tactical Armoured Vehicle and CS gas (tear gas) was deployed upon entry.

Hollett was taken into custody without incident while Ryan exited the rear of the residence, fled on foot and was apprehended a short distance away by Police Dog Services.

Inside the home, police located and seized the following items:

  • A quantity of suspected fentanyl
  • A quantity of cocaine
  • A quantity of oxycodone
  • A quantity of morphine
  • A quantity of methadone
  • A quantity of methylphenidate
  • A quantity of clonazepam
  • A rifle
  • Ammunition
  • Pepper spray
  • A quantity of prohibited weapons, including brass knuckles, a stun gun and a switchblade knife

Both of the accused appear in court today. Hollett and Ryan are each prohibited from the possession of firearms and weapons. At the time of his arrest, Ryan was on parole with an outstanding arrest warrant.

As a result of this investigation, 54 charges have been laid against Hollett and 76 charges have been laid against Ryan, all of which fall within the following list of criminal offences:

  • Possession of oxycodone for the purpose of trafficking.
  • Possession of morphine for the purpose of trafficking.
  • Possession of methadone for the purpose of trafficking.
  • Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.
  • Possession of methylphenidate for the purpose of trafficking.
  • Possession of clonazepam for the purpose of trafficking cocaine.
  • Unsafe storage of a firearm
  • Storage of prohibited weapon in breach of regulations.
  • Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
  • Unauthorized possession of a firearm.
  • Unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon.
  • Possession of a firearm knowing possession is unauthorized.
  • Possession of a prohibited device knowing possession is unauthorized.
  • Possession of a firearm obtained by crime.
  • Possession of a firearm with the serial number removed.
  • Possession of a firearm contrary to a court order.

The investigation is continuing with further charges anticipated.

RCMP Federal Policing – Eastern Region targets criminal activity involving national security, transnational and serious organized crime and cybercrime throughout the entire province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

DHS to Extend Temporary Protected Status for Sudan

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

Extension Allows Eligible Sudanese Nationals Who Arrived on or before August 16, 2023, to Maintain TPS and Employment Authorization Following Vetting

WASHINGTON  The Department of Homeland Security announced today the extension of Temporary Protected Status- (TPS) for Sudan for 18 months. This extension is due to ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions that continue to prevent individuals from safely returning. 

After reviewing the country conditions in Sudan and consulting with interagency partners, it was determined that an 18-month TPS extension is warranted because of continued political instability that has triggered human rights abuses, including direct attacks on civilians. Militias have targeted fleeing civilians, murdering innocent people escaping conflict, and prevented remaining civilians from accessing lifesaving supplies. These conditions currently prevent Sudanese nationals and habitual residents from safely returning. Such a determination meets the statutory obligation to decide, at least 60 days before the expiration of a TPS designation, whether the conditions for designation continue to be met and merit an extension.

The extension of TPS for Sudan allows approximately 1,900 current eligible beneficiaries to re-register for TPS, if they continue to meet eligibility requirements. Re-registration is limited to individuals who previously registered for TPS under Sudan’s designation. This population includes nationals of Sudan (and individuals without nationality who last resided in Sudan) who have been continuously residing in the United States since at least August 16, 2023, with or without lawful immigration status.

Every individual processed by the Department of Homeland Security goes through rigorous national security and public safety vetting during the original application process and again during re-registration. If any individual is identified as posing a threat, they may be detained, removed, or referred to other federal agencies for further investigation or prosecution as appropriate. Individuals are barred from TPS if they have been convicted of any felony or two misdemeanors.

DHS recognizes that not all re-registrants may receive a new Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before their current EAD expires and is automatically extending for 12 months the validity of EADs previously issued under Sudan’s TPS designation.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will continue to process pending applications filed under the Sudan designation.  Both initial applicants and re-registering current beneficiaries who have a pending Form I-821 or Form I-765 do not need to file either application again. If USCIS approves an individual’s pending Form I-821, USCIS will grant them TPS through October 19, 2026.  Similarly, if USCIS approves a pending TPS-related Form I-765, USCIS will issue the individual a new EAD that will be valid through the same date.   

A soon-to-be-published Federal Register notice will explain the eligibility criteria, timelines, and procedures necessary for current beneficiaries to re-register and renew their EADs.

DHS to Extend Temporary Protected Status for Ukraine

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

Extension Allows Eligible Ukrainian Nationals Who Arrived on or Before August 16, 2023, to Maintain TPS and Employment Authorization Following Vetting 

WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security announced today the extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukraine for 18 months. The extension of TPS is due to ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions in Ukraine that prevent eligible Ukrainian nationals from safely returning. 

After reviewing the country conditions in Ukraine and consulting with interagency partners, it was determined that an 18-month TPS extension is warranted because of conditions resulting from the expansion of the Russian military invasion into Ukraine, the largest conventional military action in Europe since World War II. Russia’s expanded military invasion has led to high numbers of civilian casualties and reports of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by Russian military forces and officials. This invasion has caused a humanitarian crisis, with significant numbers of individuals fleeing and damage to civilian infrastructure that has left many without electricity or access to medical services. These conditions prevent Ukrainian nationals and habitual residents from safely returning. Such a determination meets the statutory obligation to decide, at least 60 days before the expiration of a TPS designation, whether the conditions for designation continue to be met and merit an extension.

The extension of TPS for Ukraine allows approximately 103,700 current eligible beneficiaries to re-register for TPS, if they continue to meet eligibility requirements. Re-registration is limited to individuals who previously registered for TPS under Ukraine’s designation. This population includes nationals of Ukraine (and individuals without nationality who last resided in Ukraine) who have been continuously residing in the United States since at least August 16, 2023, with or without lawful immigration status. 

Every individual processed by the Department of Homeland Security goes through rigorous national security and public safety vetting during the original application process and again during re-registration. If any individual is identified as posing a threat, they may be detained, removed, or referred to other federal agencies for further investigation or prosecution as appropriate. Individuals are barred from TPS if they have been convicted of any felony or two misdemeanors. 

DHS recognizes that not all re-registrants may receive a new Employment Authorization Document before their current EAD expires and is automatically extending for 12 months the validity of EADs previously issued under Ukraine’s TPS designation. 

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will continue to process pending applications filed under the Ukraine designation. Both initial applicants and re-registering current beneficiaries who have a pending Form I-821 or Form I-765 do not need to file either application again. If USCIS approves an individual’s pending Form I-821, USCIS will grant them TPS through October 19, 2026. Similarly, if USCIS approves a pending TPS-related Form I-765, USCIS will issue the individual a new EAD that will be valid through the same date.    

A soon-to-be-published Federal Register notice will explain the eligibility criteria, timelines, and procedures necessary for current beneficiaries to re-register and renew EADs.