On August 8, around 10:55 pm, Melfort RCMP received a report about an assault and uttering threats on James Smith Cree Nation. A female victim sustained what RCMP says are serious, but non-life-threatening injuries. The victim did not require immediate medical attention. 

RCMP says an initial investigation determined the suspect was an adult male. 

Melfort RCMP responded and conducted proactive patrols throughout the James Smith Cree Nation and surrounding areas and followed up on information provided. 

Additional Saskatchewan RCMP resources including officers from Tisdale and Prince Albert detachments were called in to assist with the search efforts. 

At approximately 12:15 am on August 9, Prince Albert RCMP say they located the male suspect inside a vehicle just 1 kilometer west of Muskiday on Highway 3 towards Prince Albert. The male was arrested and transported to a hospital in Melfort for medical treatment, which RCMP say is unrelated to the arrest. 

He was cleared for incarceration shortly afterward and held until his first court appearance in the morning. 

As a result of the investigation, RCMP says 35-year-old Kelly Shane Burns of James Smith Cree Nation, has been charged with the following:

  • Assault, contrary to Sec. 266 of the Criminal Code
  • Failure to Comply with Appearance Notice, contrary to Sec. 145(5)(a) of the Criminal Code.

Kelly Shane Burns made his first court appearance on August 9, 2023, via phone court in Nipawin and was remanded until August 15, 2023.

Melfort RCMP thanks the James Smith Cree Nation security for their assistance in this investigation and continued partnership.


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