MONTREAL LAKE CREE NATION — Members of the Waskesiu RCMP detachment have been involved in a fatal shooting on a First Nation and Saskatoon Police Service will be conducting an investigation into the event.
On Dec. 14, shortly before 5 p.m., Waskesiu RCMP responded to a report of man in a residence who was armed with a firearm on the Montreal Lake Cree Nation. Officers were advised the man had barricaded himself in the residence after using the firearm to chase another individual out of the residence.
Officers from the surrounding area immediately deployed to the residence and contained the scene. At approximately 10:15 p.m., the man exited the residence while holding a firearm. Responding police officers discharged their firearms and injured the man.
Police officers immediately performed life-saving measures on the man until local EMS arrived. The man was being transported by EMS to Victoria Hospital in Prince Albert when he was declared deceased at approximately 11 p.m. The family of the deceased man, a resident of the Montreal Lake Cree Nation, has been notified of his death and victim services have been made available to them.
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. The Saskatchewan RCMP has requested the Saskatoon Police Service conduct the independent, external investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death. The Saskatchewan RCMP has requested the Ministry of Justice appoint an independent investigation observer in accordance with Section 91.1 of the Saskatchewan Police Act.
“The Saskatchewan RCMP takes these matters very seriously. We are giving the Saskatoon Police Service our full cooperation as they conduct an independent, external investigation into the circumstances surrounding what happened yesterday,” said Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore – Saskatchewan RCMP Commanding Officer. “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 Montreal Lake Cree Nation.”
There will be an increased police presence on the Montreal Lake Cree Nation.
As this matter is now the subject of an external investigation, no further information can be provided at this time.
