Media UPDATE - Police Investigation

File 2023-9937

UPDATE – A prolonged police investigation in the area around McDonald Avenue and Branion Drive Thursday has led to the arrest of one man wanted on outstanding warrants in connection with multiple violent offences involving firearms in recent weeks.

Colton Lafond, age 34, was arrested shortly before midnight Thursday following an investigation by the Prince Albert Police Service’s Crime Reduction Team (CRT), Trafficking Response Team (STRT), Proactive Policing Unit (PPU), Canine, Patrol, and Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT). Lafond was arrested after barricading himself inside a residence in the 2500 Block of McDonald Avenue. Police executed a search warrant to enter the residence late Thursday night following attempts to negotiate a peaceful surrender and after engaging in multiple tactical strategies, without success.

Three other people inside the residence were detained Thursday by police and remain in custody.

Police continue to investigate. Residents are no longer being asked to avoid the area.

At the time of his arrest late Thursday, Lafond had outstanding warrants for his arrest for breach of court-ordered release conditions and attempted murder, stemming from an incident March 17, 2023. That incident happened just before 9 a.m. on March 17 when police were dispatched to a residence in the 700 Block of Branion Drive for a report of a weapons complaint involving a male who had been shot in the head at a nearby residence (File 2023-9164). A warrant was issued for Colton Lafond on numerous firearms-related charges and attempted murder in relation to this incident, along with two other people. [Information 991226305].

Warrants for Lafond’s arrest were also issued following unrelated incidents involving breach of court-ordered release conditions [Information 991223367]. Lafond is further charged with flight from police and operating a vehicle while prohibited in connection with an incident in January. [Information 991220606]

Police continue to investigate and additional charges are pending. Lafond is expected to appear in court in Prince Albert next week.