After a series of events taking place near Creelman on Sunday, RCMP eventually arrested a 28-year-old male.

The Fillmore RCMP detachment was first notified of a theft in progress that morning, after a witness caught the male suspect attempting to steal fuel from a business. Patrols were made in the area, however, the suspect’s vehicle was not located.

Later, witnesses spotted the vehicle in an abandoned farmyard near Creelman. Police returned to the area, and the suspect was intercepted near Highway 13 south of Creelman. He fled from police, who relinquished the pursuit due to the suspect’s high speed and erratic driving behaviour.

The suspect then caused property damage by entering a number of farmer's fields and driving through fences. Additional witnesses and property owners said the suspect’s vehicle had become damaged as well, noting the male then fled into an oilfield structure.

Members of the Fillmore, Weyburn and Radville RCMP detachments, along with the RCMP police dog service, were dispatched to the area and the male was eventually located and arrested without incident.

Police discovered he was in possession of a quantity of stolen property, firearms, and illegal drugs.

Andrew Bender is facing numerous charges including flight from police, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, possession of stolen property, theft, possession of weapons obtained by crime, possession of drugs, failing to comply with probation, and resisting arrest.

He is currently charged with 19 criminal offences.

The investigation into further stolen property and criminal activity is continuing. Bender appeared in Weyburn Provincial Court this morning. He will make his next court appearance in Estevan on Monday.

Police are thanking individuals who assisted by promptly relaying information to the RCMP detachments