Suspect wanted after RCMP rescue two people lost in forest near Prince Albert 

(Photo: Saskatchewan RCMP)

Prince Albert RCMP are searching for a 30-year-old man after officers rescued two people who became lost in a forest during as assault investigation in the RM of Buckland.

Police were called around 3 a.m. on Jan. 7 with a report that a man was being chased by someone with a weapon, RCMP said in a news release Wednesday.

Police say they later learned an altercation had taken place in a vehicle between two men and a woman. One of the men assaulted the others, took them into a forested area and pointed a firearm at them.

Police say the gun was fired, but no one was hurt. The victims ran deeper into the forest to escape and became lost.

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RCMP used a drone to search the area and located the male victim. Officers guided him out by phone using the drone spotlight and their vehicle lights and sirens to direct him to safety. He was taken to hospital with non‑life‑threatening injuries.

The canine unit joined the search for the female victim, according to police. Guided by the arial view from the drone, officers found her in an SUV in a remote area in the RM of Prince Albert. RCMP used snowmobiles to reach her and she was taken to hospital with non‑life‑threatening injuries.

As a result of the investigation, Justine Charles, 30, of Prince Albert is charged with two counts of assault, pointing a firearm, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, unauthorized possession of a prohibited or restricted weapon, discharging a firearm while being reckless, operation while prohibited, negligence causing bodily harm and possession of a firearm or ammunition in a motor vehicle.

A warrant has been issued for his arrest. Charles is described as six-foot, 220 lbs with brown eyes and black hair.

If you see Charles, RMPC say don’t approach him instead call police.

RCMP say they continue to investigate.