RCMP Shooting at Fishing Lake First Nation Resulting in Death

This information is being provided to all Association Members

Dear Association Members,

The following is a press release from the Force regarding a shooting nearWadena, Saskatchewan involving a First Nations individual from Fish Lake First Nation and members of the Force.
 
It should be noted in the release that the two members involved in the shooting were removed from the scene as soon as possible.  This harkens back to the remarks of Commissioner Lucki at our 2019 AGM as to the increased care the Force is taking to ensure that members involved in traumatic situations are provided with guidance as soon as possible.

Our sympathies also go out to the family of the deceased to whom we wish great resilience at this trying time.

James Forrest
Director of Communications
RCMP Veterans’ Association
 
RCMP Chief Superintendent, Alfredo Bangloy, the officer in charge of criminal operations, speaks with reporters at the RCMP headquarters in Regina on Aug. 27, 2019. The RCMP held a press conference on Tuesday evening after a man died as a result of an officer-involved shooting on the Fishing Lake First Nation. (Glenn Reid/CBC)  

Statement From The Force Regarding a  Shooting At Fish Lake First Nation

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.

RCMP Detachment in Wadena.
The scene following a shooting on Fishing Lake First Nation. Photo provided by family of the victim.