WABAUSKANG – Reports of a stolen, community-owned boat on Waubaskang Lake, led to the arrest of a 32-year-old man on theft and impaired operation charges.
Treaty Three Police, in a release issued on Thursday, said the incident occurred on May 27, with witnesses reporting the accused allegedly had taken two jerrycans of gasoline from a private residence and used them to operate the vessel without authorization.
Police said the man was observed consuming alcohol while he was operating the boat.
The man disregarded commands from police to stop and officers observed the man operating the vessel in a dangerous manner.
Officers later arrested the man at a landing on Wabauskang First Nation, finding him impaired by alcohol. Open alcohol and a lack of life preservers were noted in the boat.
The accused was charged with taking a vessel without content, operation while impaired, operation while impaired over 80 milligrams, flight from a peace officer, dangerous operation and possession of property obtained by crime.
The accused was held for a bail hearing because of concerns for community safety, as well as the repetitive nature of the alleged offences.
He remains in custody awaiting a future court appearance.
Police did not name the accused.
