The Aerial Support Unit (ASU) is back in the sky and is once again proving to be a valuable tool for the Regina Police Service as we work to hold offenders accountable and reduce crime in the city.
The aircraft returned to service on February 14, 2025 and within the first seven shifts back in the air, ASU assisted with nearly 60 calls for service and aided in 13 arrests.
The following investigations are a few recent examples of the work of the ASU:
At approximately 8:15 p.m. on Friday, February 21, 2025, officers observed a vehicle with a burnt-out light and attempted to initiate a traffic stop near 5th Avenue and Robinson Street. The vehicle stopped briefly but fled before officers could identify the driver.
ASU tracked the suspect vehicle to a location near Pearl Street, where officers deployed a tire deflation device. Using the on-board camera technology, ASU officers observed the suspect throw something as he exited the vehicle. The ASU directed officers on the ground to the suspect’s location and the discarded items. The suspect was arrested and a search of the area and vehicle revealed items consistent with drug trafficking.
As a result of this investigation, 35 year-old Maluak ATHEL is charged with:
• Possession of a Scheduled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking [CDSA (5)(2)];
• 2 X Obstruction of a Peace Officer [CC 129(A)].
Court Information #991295629
ATHEL made his first appearance on these charges in Regina Provincial Court on February 24, 2025 at 9:30 a.m.
On Saturday, February 22, 2025 at approximately 10:15 p.m., the ASU alerted ground patrol members to a suspicious vehicle. Patrol officers located the vehicle parked in the area of Retallack Street and 4th Avenue. They attempted to approach the vehicle, but the suspect drove away.
The vehicle began driving into oncoming traffic, prompting officers on the ground to stop following the vehicle. ASU continued tracking from the air until the vehicle stopped in the 4700 block of 4th Avenue. The male suspect driver attempted to flee the scene on foot, but ASU directed patrol officers to his location, where he was quickly apprehended. A search of the vehicle and area revealed items consistent with drug trafficking, stolen identification documents, and firearms ammunition.
As a result of this investigation, 38 year-old Dexter TRAFIAK is charged with:
• Flight from Peace Officer [CT 320.17];
• Operate Conveyance Dangerous to Public [CT 320.13(1)];
• Resist Arrest [CC 129(A)];
• Possession of an Identity Document [CC 56.1(1)];
• Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition Contrary to Prohibition Order [CC 117.01(1)];
• Operation of a Conveyance by Alcohol or Drugs [CT 320.14(1)(A)];
• 2X Possession of a Scheduled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking [CDSA 5(2)].
Court Information #991295669, 991295670
TRAFIAK made his first appearance on these charges in Regina Provincial Court on February 24, 2025 at 9:30 a.m.
At approximately 12:40 a.m. on Sunday, February 23, 2025, officers responded to a disturbance at a residence in the 400 block of Wascana Street. Investigation indicated a male suspect was unwelcome at the residence, and had been threatening the victim. Using onboard camera technology, ASU officers were able to quickly locate the suspect, who was attempting to flee in a stolen vehicle but was stuck in the snow.
The suspect exited the truck and fled on foot. ASU officers directed ground patrol members to a nearby residence where the suspect was found hiding under a deck. He was arrested without incident.
As a result of this investigation, 25 year-old Dana WALLACE is charged with:
• Possession of Stolen Property [CC 355(B)].
Court Information # 991295723
WALLACE made his first appearance on these charges in Regina Provincial Court on February 24, 2025 at 9:30 a.m.
The airplane was out of service from April 2024 until January of 2025 for repairs. It was damaged during a routine maintenance operation.
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