LAKELAND - A man described by RCMP as a "dangerous offender" and wanted on charges that range from kidnapping to aggravated assault and various thefts, was arrested at a rural residence thanks to the coordinated efforts of RCMP detachments in the Bonnyville and St. Paul area on Oct. 22.
Over a week prior to the arrest, Bonnyville RCMP responded to a report of a home invasion at a residence in Bonnyville where a man was allegedly carrying a machete and trying to get into the residence.
The man left the area prior to RCMP members arriving on scene. Responding members learned that another incident had taken place the night prior to this call involving the same man where he allegedly entered a residence, stole vehicle keys and later forced a female into the trunk, according to information from Bonnyville RCMP.
The man was also suspected of being armed with a firearm. The vehicle was later recovered and the victim was confirmed safe.
A warrant for the man's arrest was issued and charges were laid, including kidnapping with a firearm, theft of vehicle, uttering threats, mischief Under $5,000, eight firearms related charges and two counts of failing to comply with a release order.
Then on Oct. 22 - nine days later - the Bonnyville General Investigation Section (GIS) determined the man was at a rural residence located on Township Road 583, southeast of St. Vincent.
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"Bonnyville GIS and Detachment members were joined by members from St. Paul RCMP, Cold Lake GIS, Eastern Alberta District GIS, Police Dog Services, and the Emergency Response Team at the property where the male was suspected to be," according to RCMP.
Roads in the area were blocked to traffic on Tuesday evening as police contained the area where the man was believed to be.
The man was taken into custody without incident and a search warrant was obtained for the residence where a stolen vehicle and other stolen items were found and seized by police.
Nathan Waskewitch, 38, of Onion Lake is charged with possession of stolen property over $5,000, driving while prohibited, obstruction, possession of a firearm, failing to comply with a release condition and three counts of being in possession of someone else’s Identification.
He was remanded into custody during his bail hearing and is scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 5.
According to RCMP, Waskewitch also had an outstanding arrest warrant issued by Elk Point RCMP for an aggravated assault on Sept. 26.
Waskewitch allegedly "broke another man’s jaw so badly he was unable to speak and was taken to an Edmonton area hospital for treatment," according to police. After the attack, Waskewitch also reportedly stole the man's car.
He is scheduled to appear in St. Paul Provincial Court for charges stemming from that incident on Oct. 31.