(File photo/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Crime

Robbery and car jacking results in three year sentence

Feb 20, 2025 | 11:54 AM

One of two men involved in a robbery and car jacking northeast of Prince Albert has received a three year sentence for the role he played.

Bruno Bear, 24, appeared Thursday morning at Prince Albert Provincial Court.

In relation to the events that occurred on Oct. 17, guilty pleas were entered to break-and-enter and two gun-related charges.

Around 4:30p.m., Bear and a second man broke into George’s Service and Welding and stole a cash register. The incident was captured on a security camera and the second man was seen carrying a shotgun.

Roughly 15 minutes later, a car jacking occurred on Highway 55 near Little Red River Park. Bear was present but was not an active participant. The occupants of the vehicle were not physically hurt.

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Just over a month later on November 1, Bear drove himself to the medical clinic at Cumberland House and sought treatment for a gunshot wound to the hand. He told medical staff the wound was self-inflicted and that he thought the gun was a toy.

The truck driven by Bear had been reported as stolen and at the time he was also under a court order not to possess any guns. For this later offence, Bear received an additional one year sentence.

According to Crown Prosecutor Kristen Hubbard, Bear has 17 prior convictions on his criminal record and include both assault with a weapon and property.

Defense lawyer Tara Hetherington noted he was under the influence from multiple substances and with people he should not have been

“He indicated he is remorseful for his actions,” she said.

Noting Bear’s personal history, Hetherington stated at the age of six he was placed in foster care, and had no real family supports to lean on. Both of his parents have died and he is from Shoal Lake, east of Nipawin.

Bear was previously released from Sask Pen in 2022, but according to Hetherington, he found the transition back into society to be quite challenging.

Going forward, Bear plans to complete his high school diploma and upon being released from custody, return to Regina to find work. When provided the opportunity to speak, Bear said he had nothing to say.

“My lawyer said it all,” he said.

Bear was granted 101 days of remand credit and upon his release from custody will be subject to a lifetime firearms prohibition.

The co-accusedm Angus Heathen, is scheduled to appear In court Friday and his lawyer has previously indicated plans to enter not guilty pleas.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Blue Sky: @nigelmaxwell.bsky.social