Mounties nab car-chase suspect after North Battleford standoff

RCMP on scene of a standoff in North Battleford Thursday, Jan. 22, 2015. (Photo courtesy Dustin J. Chakita)

A 24-year-old man accused in a standoff with RMCP and who allegedly pointed a gun at three Mounties during a car chase appeared in court Friday.

Saskatchewan RCMP said they arrested Gabriel Poundmaker on Thursday after a standoff at a home in North Battleford that lasted several hours. The standoff led to the evacuation of a nearby elementary school and homes in the area, police said.

Poundmaker was wanted on a warrant for allegedly pointing a firearm at police during a high-speed chase Jan. 14 in North Battleford. RCMP said they gave up the chase over concerns about the safety of pedestrians.

Poundmaker is charged with pointing a firearm, possessing a weapon, driving dangerously, failing to stop for police and failing to comply with probation in relation to the chase. He is faced with charges of possessing a weapon while prohibited, possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose and failing to comply with probation in connection with the standoff.

He appeared in North Battleford provincial court Friday. His case was adjourned until Jan. 29.

He will remain in custody, police said.

--- with files from the Canadian Press