Bonnyville RCMP and partner agencies apprehend armed and dangerous offender in multi-agency operation

Bonnyville RCMP, in collaboration with regional and specialized police units, successfully apprehended a dangerous offender, 38-year-old Nathan Waskewitch of Onion Lake, following a series of violent incidents that escalated over recent weeks.  

Waskewitch faces numerous charges, including kidnapping assault, and firearms offences.  

The RCMP first encountered Waskewitch on October 13, when officers responded to an alarming home invasion report in Bonnyville. The suspect, wielding a machete, attempted to break into the residence but fled the scene before officers arrived. Following the investigation authorities discovered the attempted break-in was the second incident involving Waskewitch within 48 hours.  

The night prior, he allegedly forced his way into the same residence, stolen vehicle keys, and subsequently abducted a woman, forcing her into the trunk of the car. The vehicle was later recovered, and the victim was confirmed to be unharmed.  

An arrest warrant was promptly issued for Waskewitch, with charges including kidnapping with a firearm, theft of a vehicle, uttering threats, mischief under $5000, eight firearm offences, and two counts of failing to comply with a release order.  

After extensive investigation, Bonnyville’s General Investigation Section (GIS) located Waskewitch at a residence on Township Road 583, southeast of St. Vincent on October 22. Bonnyville GIS, joined by detachments from St. Paul RCMP, Cold Lake GIS, Eastern Alberta District GIS, Police Dog Services, and the Emergency Response Team, executed a coordinated operation.  

Waskewitch was apprehended without incident, and officers subsequently secured a search warrant for the residence, seizing a stolen vehicle and additional stolen property.  

Additional charges were filed against Waskewitch following his arrest. In total, he now faces over 14 serious charges, including possession of stolen property over $5000, driving while prohibited, obstruction, additional firearms offences, and multiple counts of possession stolen identification. Waskewitch was remanded into custody after a bail hearing and is slated to appear in court on November 5.  

Further complicating the case, Waskewitch was also wanted on an outstanding warrant for an aggravated assault in Elk Point. On September 26, he allegedly attacked another man, fracturing his jaw so severely that the victim was left unable to speak and required hospitalization in Edmonton. Waskewitch is accused of stealing the victim’s vehicle following the assault. He will appear in St. Paul Provincial Court for the charges related to that incident on October 31.