At 7:45 pm on December 31, 2022, Virden RCMP responded to a call of a male who was armed with a knife and was threatening the residents of a home in Sioux Valley Dakota Nation.
Upon arrival, the male had already fled but officers were able to identify the suspect and began extensive patrols. His vehicle was located and a traffic stop was initiated.
The suspect refused to stop and officers followed him. The suspect then exited his vehicle and ran into a residence in the community as officers pursued him on foot. Officers attempted to immediately enter the residence but the suspect was able to barricade himself inside.
A 13-year-old female and a 20-year-old male who were inside the residence had to be extracted by officers through a window.
Additional officers from the Blue Hills RCMP, Police Dog Services and the Emergency Response Team (ERT) attended the scene to assist.
Just after midnight on January 1, 2023, ERT officers were able to gain entry into the residence and place the suspect under arrest.
Bruce Branth, 42, of Sioux Valley Dakota Nation is charged with:
o Failing to comply with a release order x6
o Assault with a weapon
o Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
o Resist/Obstruct a Peace Officer
He has been remanded into custody.
