Regina police, RCMP continue manhunt for stabbing suspects

The search continued Monday for the two suspects in Sunday’s stabbing rampage in Saskatchewan.

Early Monday, Regina Police Service Chief Evan Bray issued a video on Twitter in which he updated the public on the search for Damien Sanderson and Myles Sanderson.

Monday, Sept 5th morning update. The two suspects are still at large, despite efforts through the night by @reginapolice and @RCMPSK. If anyone has information that would assist in locating and safely taking Myles and Damien Sanderson into custody, we urge you to call police. pic.twitter.com/9DCJqo1Vj6

— Chief Evan Bray (@evanjbray) September 5, 2022

“Unfortunately the two males are still at large, this despite ongoing, relentless efforts through the night by both the RCMP and the Regina Police Service to locate these two individuals,” Bray said. “They have not yet been located and so efforts continue.

“We’ve got a fresh set of investigators and shifts coming in today that will take over this investigation and we will not stop this investigation until we have those two safely in custody.”

The Sandersons are suspects in the stabbing deaths of 10 people on the James Smith Cree Nation and in Weldon, a nearby community. It’s being described as the worst mass murder in the province’s history.

During a media conference Sunday, the RCMP said another 15 people had been injured in the spree. In a statement Monday, the Mounties updated the number of people hurt in the attacks to 18.

The RCMP revealed there were 13 separate crime scenes at which investigators were working.

In Monday’s update, the RCMP said it has charged both men.

Myles Sanderson is charged with three counts of first-degree murder, one count of attempted murder and one count of break and enter. Damien Sanderson is charged with one count of first-degree murder, one count of attempted murder and one count of break and enter.

The Mounties didn’t explain why the number of charges didn’t add up to the total number of deaths and injuries.

“To the people of Saskatchewan and beyond — please be assured that we are using every human, investigational and technological resource we have available to locate and arrest the persons responsible for this tragedy and to ensure your safety,” Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore, the commanding officer of the Saskatchewan RCMP, said in the release.

“Hundreds of Saskatchewan RCMP staff are dedicated to this investigation — this includes operators taking 911 calls and tips, to frontline officers patrolling our streets to the on-scene specialized forensic and Major Crime Unit teams who continue to follow up on all information and evidence gathered.”

The Mounties issued a dangerous person alert for the suspects early Sunday morning after reports of the stabbings were received, and the manhunt began.

Late Sunday morning, police got a tip that the vehicle in which the suspects were believed to be travelling — a black Nissan Rogue with Saskatchewan licence plate 119 MPI — had been seen on Arcola Avenue in east Regina.

As a result, police forces are operating under the assumption the men are still in the Queen City.

During the media conference and again in his video on Twitter, Bray said police believe someone has information about the suspects’ location.

“We are confident that someone out there knows the whereabouts of these two and has information that will be valuable to the police,” Bray said. “I urge you to get in touch with your local police service to let us know, whether it’s the Regina Police Service (or) the RCMP.

“This is an ongoing, active investigation and again will not stop until these two have been arrested.”

Bray said any piece of information could be helpful to lead to the suspects’ arrests.

“There’s a lot of grief (and) there’s a lot of anxiety in our province and in our communities this morning and all day yesterday and really, I think an important step for families and communities working through this will be to bring these two safely into custody,” Bray said.

Damien (left) and Myles Sanderson are wanted by the RCMP. (RCMP/Submitted)

Damien Sanderson is described as 5-foot-7 and 155 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Myles Sanderson is described as being 6-foot-1 and 240 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.

Police have reminded residents not to approach the suspects if they see them and to call 911. Details also can be reported to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

People also were urged to shelter in place if they could.

Bray concluded his video with a message for viewers: “Stay safe, Saskatchewan.”