Prince Albert Provincial Court (file photo/paNOW Staff)

By Charlene Tebbutt

Rural Crime

Rural home invasion near Debden leads to jail terms

Apr 29, 2019 | 4:47 PM

A man and woman have been sentenced to jail time in connection with a home invasion and high-speed chase near Debden last year in a case that once again highlights concerns around crime in rural Saskatchewan.

For Lori and Ernest Collins, the incident one year ago continues to leave them frightened and worried, and on the hook for several thousand dollars in damaged property. Lori Collins was asleep at home the night Ryan Lee LaChance and Erin Mindy Whitefish drove onto their rural property near Debden, stealing fuel and breaking into the house and taking two loaded guns – a .22 calibre and .38 – from the home.

Ernest Collins was returning from working in his fields just after midnight when he saw LaChance and Whitefish leaving his yard in a stolen black pickup truck. Ernest Collins chased the truck for several kilometres, even ramming it from behind, but backed off after he heard gun shots.

“I didn’t know where my wife was,” Collins said outside court, his voice trembling, on why he pursued the truck. “Our lives have changed dramatically since this incident for sure, and we don’t feel safe in our own house anymore.”

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Collins said he and his wife have been getting counselling since the incident, but it still scares them. They remain part of a neighbourhood watch-type program where rural residents can communicate quickly using an online app and are upgrading their security as well.

He said he’s also lost about $10,000 due to insurance costs and property damage. Because he chased after the truck and purposely rammed the vehicle, Ernest Collins said he won’t get insurance money to cover the costs.

“It’s put our whole life into turmoil,” he added. “Our neighbours, and family and friends, they’ve been overwhelming with support for sure, I don’t think we could have got through this without them.”

Both LaChance and Whitefish pleaded guilty recently to a string of charges in relation to the incident, along with charges connected to an earlier incident involving the stolen truck, and other matters involving the theft of fire suppression equipment and tools belonging to the Village of Debden.

Whitefish, 29, pleaded guilty to 19 charges and was sentenced to 32 months in jail on all charges less time spent on remand, leaving her with about 16 months left to serve.

LaChance was sentenced 20 months. LaChance is already serving a sentence of 14 months stemming from an incident in the Spiritwood area. The two sentences will overlap, leaving LaChance with an extra six months to serve.

The incidents happened over a 43-day period in the spring of 2018.

In Whitefish’s case, the judge rejected a joint sentencing recommendation of 15 months in jail from defence and Crown counsel, saying the recommendation was too low given the gravity of the offences. Provincial Court Judge Steven Schiefner cautioned the Collins against keeping loaded guns inside their home.

“That was a dangerous thing for the Collins to do, but people in the country are doing that because they feel alone and unsafe,” Schiefner said in court. “Rural crime in Western Canada is a serious problem.”

Whitefish apologized for her actions in court earlier this month.

“All of those people were victims of the dangerous behaviour that you engaged in,” Schiefner added. “You hurt a lot of people.”

In sentencing LaChance, Provincial Court Judge Hugh Harradence said the man had a troubled upbringing and got involved with gangs, but said he needs to take responsibility for his behaviour.

“Mr. LaChance needs to realize that this causes real-life stress and pain to people,” Harradence said.

LaChance’s lawyer described the 22-year-old man as a “follower” and said he didn’t act alone in the incidents.

“He’s easily influenced by other peers,” Michelle Caron said. “He is feeling badly.”

Both LaChance and Whitefish are also prohibited from having weapons for 10 years after their release from jail. LaChance was ordered not to drive for one year after his release, while Whitefish was handed a two-year driving ban.

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Charlene.tebbutt@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @CharleneTebbutt