RCMP ‘dial in’ on robbery suspect thanks to ringing phone

Greater Sudbury police say scammers are spoofing their non-emergency number and falsely claiming to be police officers. They use fake names and badge numbers to sound legitimate.

A ringing stolen cellphone recently did in a Saskatchewan robber.

Battlefords RCMP responded to a robbery at a business on the Highway 16 Bypass in North Battleford on March 7 around 7:30 a.m., according to Saskatchewan RCMP.

An investigation found a man threatened a person with a firearm, demanding their cellphone and wallet. No injuries were reported.

Responding officers used a GPS service to track the stolen phone, which was just outside the business. They dialed the number and arrested the man in possession of it when it started to ring.

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A search of the business turned up a sawed-off firearm, ammunition and baton.

A 23-year-old man from North Battleford faces several robbery and weapons-related charges, including armed robbery.

He made his first appearance in North Battleford Provincial Court on March 9.

Battlefords RCMP continue to investigate the robbery.