Regina police plane aids in 13 arrests since returning to flight

WATCH: The Regina Police Service plane has aided in 13 arrests since returning to flight earlier in February.

Since retuning to the skies after being out of commission for months, Regina Police Service’s (RPS) plane has assisted with nearly 60 calls and aided in 13 arrests.

The plane returned to service on Feb. 14 and has flown seven shifts since then, according to Regina police.

It was out of commission since April 2024 after being damaged during a routine maintenance operation, according to Regina police.

Regina police said one of the calls that resulted in eight charges against a man saw the plane track a suspect that initially evaded officers on the night of Feb. 22.

According to a release, the accused fled from his vehicle on the 4700 block of 4th Avenue after driving into oncoming traffic in an attempted to evade police. Regina police said its plane was able to track the man and direct patrol officers to his location where he was quickly apprehended.

In the vehicle the suspect was driving, police found stolen identity documents, ammunition and items consistent with drug trafficking.

The 38-year-old suspect is facing eight charges that include flight from a peace officer, resisting arrest and possession of an identity document.

The accused made his first court appearance Feb. 24, according to Regina police.