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Abduction complaint investigation concluded; no charges to be laid

UPDATE: The RCMP Major Crime Unit-South has concluded the abduction investigation from the weekend and it’s been determined no charges will be laid.

UPDATE: The RCMP Major Crime Unit-South has concluded the abduction investigation from the weekend and it’s been determined no charges will be laid.

The Saskatchewan RCMP wants to reiterate our thanks to the public and news agencies for sharing information in relation to this file. Due to the serious nature of the complaint received, extensive investigation and searches were completed to help locate the two individuals involved. Once the pair were located by the Wynyard RCMP south of Bankend on Monday morning shortly after 9:00 a.m., the RCMP Major Crime Unit-South continued its investigation to determine if an offence occurred.

As a result of investigation, the white/grey truck is not believed to be related to this investigation and police are no longer looking for it.

Kelly Baht was wanted on a Canada-wide warrant for being unlawfully at large. He was arrested Monday in relation to this warrant, remains in custody, and Regina Police Service will be continuing this separate investigation. 

As this RCMP investigation is now considered complete, we do not anticipate further updates and do not have any other information to share.

UPDATE: This morning, shortly after 9 a.m., Saskatchewan RCMP officers from the Wynyard, Wadena and Punnichy RCMP Detachments located Stephanie Bruch and Kelly Baht safe and sound walking on Highway 35, south of Bankend.

RCMP extend a thank you to the public and the media for their assistance.

The investigation is ongoing and updates will be provided as soon as they are available.

BACKGROUND: On May 8 at approximately 11:50 p.m., the Saskatchewan RCMP received information that an abduction may have occurred. 

The information was initially reported to the Regina Police Service after a member of the public had received a concerning message from a female friend via Facebook. The Regina Police Service then provided this information to the Saskatchewan RCMP Dispatch Centre.

As a result of this report, the Saskatchewan RCMP immediately began an investigation and identified a suspect and suspect vehicle. Searches of the area where the suspect and suspect vehicle were believed to be located were rapidly undertaken by Saskatchewan RCMP Police Dog services; multiple officers from the Melville, Wynyard, Fort Qu’Appelle, and Punnichy RCMP Detachments; and the Saskatoon Police Service Air Support Unit. 

Shortly before 3:40 p.m., the suspect vehicle was located abandoned in a field south on Highway #10, near Ituna, by the Saskatoon Police Service Air Support Unit. Neither the female nor the suspect were located with the vehicle. 

At 3:17 p.m., Melville RCMP received a report of an adult male approaching a female outside her residence in Melville. The male was going through her vehicle when the female asked him what he was doing. After a short conversation, the male got into an older white/light grey, small truck and left the female’s residence heading south. The truck had a small quad/ATV in the box. There is no license plate available for the older white/light grey small truck. Investigators believe the female was approached by the male suspect.

Saskatchewan RCMP are concerned for the safety of the female who sent the message via Facebook and are asking for the public’s assistance in locating the female, the adult male suspect and the small white/grey truck:

The female is described as Stephanie Bruch, a 30-year-old female from Regina. 

The adult male is described as Kelly Baht, a 29-year-old male. Baht is described as 6 feet tall, weighing 158 pounds, with a medium build, light brown hair, blue eyes. No clothing description is available at this time. 

The public is asked to not approach Kelly Baht and call 911 if he is seen. Anyone possessing information regarding the whereabouts of either Kelly Baht or Stephanie Bruch is asked to call 911. Information can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submitting a tip online at www.saskcrimestoppers.com

The Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crime Unit – South has taken carriage of the investigation and updates will be provided as they become available.