RCMP arrest duo near Wadena after stolen vehicle runs out of fuel

(David Prisciak/CTV News)

Two would-be thieves are in custody after the attempted theft of a vehicle was cut short on account of an empty gas tank.

In a news release published Saturday, Saskatchewan RCMP recounted an incident near Wadena late last week.

In the early morning hours of Nov. 5, a truck was stolen south of Wadena. RCMP officers in the area were able to find the vehicle with the help of the public. At some point during the search, the suspect’s vehicle ran out of gas.

Two people exited the vehicle and were arrested at the scene. A search of the vehicle by a police dog led to officers discovering a gun and suspected drugs.

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The driver, a 36-year-old man from Yellowquill First Nation, was charged with six counts, including flight from police, resisting arrest, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.

The passenger, a 23-year-old woman also from Yellowquill First Nation, was charged with possession of stolen property and resisting arrest.

Both of the accused appeared in court in Wadena on Nov. 6.