Wadena RCMP – Member-involved shooting at Fishing Lake First Nation resulting in death

Today, August 27, 2019, at 1:23 pm, officers from the Wadena RCMP detachment were called to a residence on the Fishing Lake First Nation.

The caller stated that an adult male, who was known to the caller, was outside the residence. The caller reported the adult male was causing a disturbance and was armed with a knife.

Two Wadena RCMP officers located the residence and the adult male. Shortly after the officers arrived on scene, at least one RCMP police officer discharged their firearm. The adult male was injured.

Police officers called for assistance and performed first aid on the male until the Wadena Emergency Medical Service arrived.

Additional RCMP police officers arrived at the scene at the same time to assist EMS with the injured male and secure the area.

Unfortunately, the male died at the scene.

The family of the deceased has been informed of his passing. Out of respect for the family’s privacy, we will not be releasing the name of the deceased.

As per protocol, the two police officers involved in this incident were removed from the scene as soon as they could be relieved by other police officers.

When an incident results in death or serious injury, the RCMP Act – the legislation that governs the RCMP – requires that an investigation be conducted by an external agency.

Therefore, the Saskatchewan RCMP has requested an independent external police investigation in to the circumstances of this incident. The Moose Jaw Police Service will be conducting this investigation.

The RCMP has also requested that the Saskatchewan Ministry of Justice appoints an independent observer to assess the quality of the external investigation.

In order not to interfere with the independence of the external investigation, Saskatchewan RCMP will not be in a position to provide any further details.

This is a tragic incident for everyone involved, including the family of the deceased, the community and our officers. We extend our condolences to the family of the deceased and the community of Fishing Lake First Nation.

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NT5