(Nicole Reis/meadowlakeNOW Staff)

By Nicole Reis

Case remanded

Île-à-la-Crosse confinement case held over, police encourage victims to come forward

Aug 13, 2020 | 5:00 PM

The man accused of holding a female youth against her will for four days in a secluded cabin near the Village of Île-à-la-Crosse will remain in custody after a show cause hearing in provincial court today.

The case came before the courts after Île-à-la-Crosse RCMP received a report of the alleged confinement on April 23, 2020.

The report generated a large scale response from RCMP and partner agencies. At that time, the only way to access the cabin was by air since the Île-à-la-Crosse Lake was covered in water and slush. The Canadian Armed Forces and the Saskatchewan Emergency Response Team (ERT) were called to assist.

The following day, two CAF CH-146 Griffon helicopters transported the ERT across the lake and landed next to the cabin. Police secured the location and safely removed the youth.

According to an RCMP media release issued after the response, the youth had minor bruising and was safely transported back by helicopter to Île-à-la-Crosse where she reunited with her family.

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The release stated the accused, Aaron Gardner, attempted to flee from the cabin once police arrived on scene. When confronted by officers, police say he resisted arrest. A Conducted Energy Weapon (CEW) was deployed before he was taken into custody according to the release.

Gardner received medical treatment by EMS for what were reported to be minor injuries, after being transported to Île-à-la-Crosse.

On April 27, he was charged with unlawful confinement, assault, overcoming resistance, uttering threats, resist arrest, possession of a firearm for a dangerous purpose, use of a firearm in the commission of an indictable offence, proceeds of crime and possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Since his arrest, additional victims have come forward to police. The new information has spurred additional investigations and subsequent charges.

Gardener now faces four counts of sexual assault, three counts of forcible confinement, uttering threats, assault, reckless discharge of a firearm, use firearm in commission of an offence, obstruction and breach undertaking.

Gardiner is scheduled to make his next court appearance on September 3 at 1:30 p.m. at Meadow Lake Provincial Court.

RCMP are urging anyone with additional information to report to come forward as the investigation is ongoing.

Contact Île-à-la-Crosse RCMP by calling 306-833-6300 or the Prince Albert General Investigation Section at 306-765-2105.

Information can also by submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or by submitting a tip online here.

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nicole.reis@jpbg.ca