Dangerous offender arrested following kidnapping, home invasion, and assault charges: Bonnyville RCMP

Onion Lake RCMP released this image of Nathan Waskewitch in 2020, after police issued a warrant for his arrest. Credit: Onion Lake RCMP.

A 38-year-old man from Onion Lake is facing over 20 charges, including kidnapping with a firearm, and many other weapons related charges, following a home invasion in Bonnyville.

The first incident was Sunday, Oct. 13. Bonnyville RCMP received a report of a home invasion at a residence in Bonnyville whereby a male carrying a machete was trying to get into a residence. 

He left when police were called. 

Police learned soon that the night before, the same individual forcibly entered a home, stole vehicle keys, and then forced a woman into the trunk.

The male was also suspected of having a gun with him. The vehicle was later recovered and the victim was confirmed safe, police say. 

A warrant for the male’s arrest was issued and the following charges were laid: Kidnapping with a Firearm, Theft of Vehicle, Uttering Threats, Mischief Under $5000, eight Firearms related charges and two counts of Failing to Comply with a Release Order.

Spotted near St. Vincent

On Tuesday, Oct. 22, the Bonnyville General Investigation Section (GIS) located the male and determined he was at a residence located on Township Road 583 southeast of St. Vincent. 

Bonnyville GIS and Detachment members were joined by members from St. Paul RCMP, Cold Lake GIS, Eastern Alberta District GIS, Police Dog Services, and the Emergency Response Team at the property where the male was suspected to be.  

Barricades were set up to contain the individual, who was taken into custody without incident.

A search warrant at the rural property uncovered a myriad of stolen items and a stolen vehicle.

In addition to the 14 charges that were laid as a result of the arrest warrant, 38 year old, Nathan Waskewitch of Onion Lake, is additionally charged with

• Possession of Stolen Property Over $5000,
• Drive While Prohibited, Obstruction,
• Possession of a Firearm,
• Fail to Comply with a Release Condition
• Possession of someone else’s Identification. (3x)

He was remanded into custody during his bail hearing and scheduled to appear in court on November 5th.

Previous incidents

Waskewitch also had an outstanding arrest warrant issued by Elk Point RCMP for an aggravated assault.

Police say on Sept. 26, Waskewitch broke another man’s jaw so badly he was unable to speak and was taken to an Edmonton area hospital for treatment. 

After the vicious attack on the male, Waskewitch stole his car. 

He appears in St. Paul Provincial Court for charges stemming from that incident on Thursday, Oct. 31.

Last week, Waskewitch had been involved in the theft of a Ford Mustang that was later recovered. In April, he was part of a vehicle theft in the Smoky Lake area.