North Battleford RCMP CRT arrest Michael Blackstar after evacuating motel

On July 21, 2024, Saskatchewan RCMP’s North Battleford Crime Reduction Team (CRT) was conducting proactive patrols in North Battleford in relation to a stolen vehicle investigation.

At approximately 6:20 p.m., they observed a vehicle parked outside of a motel. The plates on the vehicle were for a different vehicle. Officers knocked on the door of the associated hotel room and announced themselves, but no one answered. A male then appeared at the window and pointed an item that resembled the barrel of a firearm at the officer.

To mitigate any potential safety risk, the occupants of the motel were evacuated.

The male refused to leave the room.

With the assistance of Saskatchewan RCMP’s Critical Incident Response Team, the male was arrested without incident at approximately 10:30 p.m.

Officers located a katana-style sword, a small amount of methamphetamine and a metal cylinder object, which investigators believe was displayed by the male in the window, in the room.

Further investigation determined the male had initially provided a false name to police officers, and had checked into the hotel with a false name and stolen credit card.

The male was wanted for failing to comply with a release order condition after Prince Albert RCMP received a report he had removed an electronic monitoring device related to a 24-hour court-ordered curfew.

Michael Blackstar, 34, from North Battleford is charged with uttering threats, resisting/obstructing a peace officer, identity fraud, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, assault on a police officer, obtain lodging by fraud, and failing to comply with release conditions.

He appeared in court July 24.

Battlefords RCMP assisted with this investigation.