Woman suspected of being kidnapped in armed robbery found safe in North Battleford: RCMP

WATCH: A 33-year-old woman RCMP believed to have been kidnapped following a car jacking in North Battleford Friday morning has been found.

The Saskatchewan RCMP says 33-year-old Leanna Frenchman, who police thought had been kidnapped after an early morning armed robbery in North Battleford Friday, has been found safe.

An update from RCMP shortly before 2:30 p.m. said the woman was located safe at a residence on St. Laurent Drive.

According to a news release, officers responded to an incident on Railway Avenue E around 5 a.m. and determined a man, who was armed with a gun, approached a vehicle with two women inside. The suspect threatened them before stealing the vehicle.

Police say that 33-year-old Leanna Frenchman was still inside the vehicle when the man drove away. Officers believed she was with the armed suspect and determined that the two do not know each other.

In an update shortly before 11:30 a.m., RCMP said the “incident [was] now being investigated as a kidnapping”.

Police said the stolen vehicle, a red 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix with the Saskatchewan licence plate 186 NSA, was located in a residential area on St. Laurent Drive in North Battleford at around 10:30 a.m. However, the suspect and Frenchman were not found with the vehicle.

RCMP is asking business owners and residents who witnessed suspicious activity or captured home surveillance video in the area of St. Laurent Drive in North Battleford Friday morning to contact police immediately.

The suspect, who has not been found, is described as a male with a round-shaped face, last seen wearing a baggy red sweater and jeans. Police say they do not have any other descriptors at this time.

People who believe they see the suspect vehicle or have information about the ongoing investigation are asked to contact their local police or 911 in an emergency, RCMP said, adding tips can also be sent to Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers.