(File photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By battlefordsNOW Staff

One dead following execution of search warrant in Waseca

Feb 28, 2022 | 5:19 AM

One man is dead and three others have been taken into custody following the issue of a search warrant on a resident in Waseca, Sask. yesterday evening.

The Battlefords RCMP Gang Task Force began an investigation in October into drug and weapons trafficking in west-central Saskatchewan. Preliminary investigation determined cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and firearms were being trafficked in and around North Battleford, Sask.

The search warrant was in relation to this investigation.

Based on information obtained by officers, there was a significant risk to public and police safety and the Saskatchewan RCMP Critical Incident Response Team were deployed to assist with the search warrant.

During the incident in Waseca, officers determined there were four people on the commercial property. After negotiation and the use of non-lethal methods, two adult males and one adult female exited the building and were safely taken into custody.

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The fourth individual, a 33-year-old male from the Lloydminster area, remained in the building and was not complying with police officer commands. Following his leaving the building, the officers used non-lethal methods to get the man to comply with officers but displayed a firearm. Gunfire was exchanged and the man was fatally injured.

The family of the deceased man has been notified of his death.

One RCMP officer was injured during the altercation and is in hospital with what is believed to be a non-life-threatening injury. No further information will be provided about the officer’s injuries.

Due to the nature of the event, an investigation is being conducted by an external agency. The Saskatchewan RCMP has requested the Saskatoon Police Service conduct an independent, external investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death and 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 external investigators at the Saskatoon Police Service our full cooperation as they conduct an independent, external investigation into the circumstances surrounding what happened,” said assistant commissioner Rhonda Blackmore – Saskatchewan RCMP Commanding Officer. “My thoughts are with our injured officer, the community, and the family of the deceased.”

There will be an increased police presence in Waseca.

As this matter is now the subject of an external investigation, no further information can be provided at this time.

The investigation into drug and weapons trafficking in and around North Battleford continues and updates will be provided as they become available.

–

panews@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW