Earl Ballantyne was arrested on August 8. He was previously wanted for various weapons and violence charges. (RCMP/supplied)

By northeastNOW Staff

Crime

UPDATED: RCMP arrest final suspect in violent assault, confinement investigation at Deschambault Lake

Jul 31, 2025 | 10:14 AM

Update: August 9, 1:20 p.m.

Deschambault Lake RCMP confirmed that Earl Ballantyne was arrested near the community during an officer-involved shooting on Aug. 8.

He’s scheduled to appear in Prince Albert Provincial Court via video call on Aug. 11.

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Update: July 31, 9:17 a.m.

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RCMP arrested Tyler Ballantyne on July 30 in Deschambault Lake.

He is scheduled to appear in La Ronge Provincial Court on July 31.

Police are still actively searching for 31-year-old Earl Ballantyne, who is described as 5’8 with a medium build, black hair and brown eyes. He is wanted for assault with a weapon, forcible confinement, robbery with violence, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, unlawful possession of a firearm, and uttering threats.

He is known to travel to Deschambault Lake, Pelican Narrows, and Prince Albert, but his current whereabouts are unknown.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Deschambault Lake RCMP at 310-RCMP or submit tips anonymously to Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or saskcrimestoppers.com.

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An ongoing RCMP investigation has led to multiple arrests and charges following a violent assault and forcible confinement incident in Deschambault Lake.

On July 25, 2025, Deschambault Lake RCMP responded to a report of an assault at a local residence. According to investigators, the victim was attacked by a group of individuals and prevented from leaving the home. The victim eventually managed to escape and was taken to hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening.

Three days later, on July 28, six suspects were arrested in Deschambault Lake with assistance from the Saskatchewan RCMP’s Prince Albert Provincial General Investigation Section and Critical Incident Response Team.

As a result of the investigation, eight individuals, seven adults and one female youth, are facing multiple serious charges, including:

• Assault with a weapon
• Forcible confinement
• Robbery with violence
• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose

Those charged include:

• Earl Ballantyne, 31
• Tyler Ballantyne (also known as Tyler Michel), 19
• Stephan Sakima Ballantyne, 29
• Zachary Ballantyne, 30
• Raeanna Michel, 26
• Sharona Custer, 20
• Sherri Custer, 20
• A female youth (name withheld)

The female youth is also charged with a separate count of assault.

Additionally, 31-year-old Earl Ballantyne faces two further charges: unlawful possession of a firearm and uttering threats.

While six of the accused are in custody or scheduled for court appearances, warrants have been issued for Earl and Tyler Ballantyne, who remain at large.

Earl Ballantyne is approximately 5-8 inches tall with a medium build. He has black hair and brown eyes.

Tyler Ballantyne, who may also go by the name Tyler Michel, is about six-feet tall and weighs roughly 140 pounds. He also has black hair and brown eyes.

Both are known to frequent Deschambault Lake and may travel to Pelican Narrows or Prince Albert. Their current whereabouts are unknown.

RCMP are asking the public not to approach either suspect if spotted. Anyone with information is asked to contact Deschambault Lake RCMP at 310-RCMP or submit tips anonymously to Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or saskcrimestoppers.com.

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Austin.mattes@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @AustinMattes