The image released by RCMP shows the accused partway up a tree, with his head visible among the branches after officers located him using a drone. (Image Credit: Saskatchewan RCMP)

By battlefordsNOW Staff

BUSTED

Wanted man found in tree after RCMP deploy drone on Thunderchild First Nation

Feb 18, 2026 | 11:21 AM

A climb up a tree wasn’t enough to avoid RCMP after a wanted man fled into the woods on Thunderchild First Nation over the weekend.

Turtleford RCMP were conducting routine patrols around 9 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14 when they located a vehicle at a residence on Thunderchild First Nation linked to a wanted individual. 

Officers approached the vehicle and found the man inside, but police said he fled on foot into the nearby woods when they attempted to arrest him. A remotely piloted aircraft system, or drone, was then used to search the area. 

The man was located shortly afterward in a tree. Officers assisted him in descending before taking him into custody. 

“The use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems has become an invaluable asset in modern policing,” Cpl. Trevor Reimer of St. Walburg RCMP said.

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“A birds-eye perspective and advanced night‑vision capabilities dramatically improve the ability to locate individuals quickly and safely.”

Christopher Dillon, 34, of Glaslyn, is charged with one count of failing to comply with a release order and one count of failing to comply with a probation order. 

He was also arrested on outstanding warrants related to possession of property obtained by crime, flight from a peace officer and resisting or obstructing a peace officer. 

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com