MAN CHARGED WITH AGGRAVATED ASSAULT IN SHESHATSHIU

(Oct 30th)

A 45-year-old man is facing multiple charges after Sheshatshiu RCMP responded to a report of a driver who appeared to be unconscious behind the wheel of a vehicle Thursday morning.

Shortly after 10:00 a.m. on October 29, police received a report from a concerned passerby who spotted an unknown male apparently passed out behind the wheel of a vehicle on Matshateu Street.

Officers attended and located the driver inside the vehicle. Police woke the man, who showed clear signs of impairment and was identified as a prohibited driver.

The driver was arrested without incident and provided with a demand for a breath sample. Police say he was uncooperative and was subsequently charged with failure or refusal to comply with a demand.

A search of the man and vehicle resulted in the seizure of an open container of alcohol, cash, drug paraphernalia and bear spray.

Police also confirmed the vehicle was uninsured and displaying licence plates belonging to another vehicle.

Forty-five-year-old Roy William Russell of Sheshatshiu has been charged with:

- Operation while prohibited

- Operation while impaired

- Failure or refusal to comply with a demand

- Failure to comply with release order condition (x2)

- Possession of a prohibited weapon when knowing the possession is unauthorized – two counts

- Possession of property obtained by crime

- Weapons possession contrary to order and failure to surrender authorization (x2)

Russell was held in police custody and is expected to appear in court today, October 30, 2026.

His vehicle was seized and impounded, and his driver’s licence was further suspended.

Sheshatshiu RCMP thanked the passerby for reporting the incident and reminded the public to report suspicious activity or suspected impaired driving directly to police. Anyone witnessing a crime or suspicious activity is encouraged to record details such as licence plates, descriptions of individuals, and the date, time and location.

In an emergency, including suspected impaired driving, call 911.