Rural property owner says suspected thieves fired shots at him

A rural property owner near Debden told police he was shot at on Thursday night after he confronted a group of people he believed were stealing from his property.

In a news release, Big River RCMP said the man encountered at least two people stealing from his property around midnight, allegedly making off with two rifles.

When the suspects fled the scene in a black Dodge truck, the property owner said he gave chase in another vehicle, but stopped after shots were fired in his direction from the fleeing truck, according to the release.

RCMP located the suspect vehicle and a “monitored pursuit” took place involving several RCMP units, but officers were unable to stop the car safely and lost contact with it, the release stated.

RCMP are still working to locate the suspects.

The truck, a four-door pickup, has damage to its rear tailgate and its driver’s side tail light, and a smashed rear window.

People should not approach the suspects or the vehicle, RCMP said.

Property owners are reminded that attempting to confront or pursue suspects can be “extremely dangerous,” the release stated.

Instead, people should secure themselves and their families and call 911, recording details until officers respond.

If a confrontation can be avoided, “it is advisable to do so,” the release added.

Debden is about 150 kilometres north of Saskatoon.