Jury at coroner’s inquest recommends body cams and improved training

At the time of the incident, police had stopped a black Dodge Avenger while investigating a report of a stolen car and found Boden Umpherville in the front passenger seat. Officers attempted to arrest him on outstanding warrants.

Umpherville braced himself inside the vehicle, resisted arrest and a physical struggle that lasted nearly 20 minutes followed.

During that time, Umpherville was hit with conducted energy weapons multiple times, struck with a baton and exposed to at least one burst of pepper spray.

A screen of a cell phone video from the arrest. (Image Credit: File photo.)

After removing Umpherville from the vehicle, officers placed him on the ground. Umpherville was overheard moaning and called for help. A search of his person found a loaded handgun and a small folding knife.

While officers were handcuffing Umpherville, paramedics were called and arrived about five minutes later, and within two minutes were at his side assessing vitals. Because of Umpherville’s level of aggression and resistance, a decision was made to strap him to a stretcher before taking him to hospital.

Moments after being placed on the stretcher, he stopped breathing and had no pulse.

Paramedics and hospital staff restored both, and Umpherville spent another three weeks in hospital on life support before he died.

A view of Umpherville in hospital. (Image Credit: Image Credit: FSIN.)

The Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) was called in to review the conduct of police, including the circumstances surrounding Umpherville’s arrest and the cause of his injuries. Nearly two years later, SIRT released a report that concluded police did not commit any criminal offences and the use of force was appropriate.

According to the SIRT findings, Umpherville’s cause of death was cardiac arrest brought on by positional asphyxia and cocaine intoxication. The report said the involvement of a conducted energy weapon was a possible, but unlikely, contributing factor.

The case has remained one of Prince Albert’s most closely watched local stories since 2023, prompting public protests, family advocacy and broader conversations about policing, transparency and accountability.

Peter Abrametz represented the Umpherville family and acknowledged for reporters he was concerned by the gaps in the stories shared by the officers. In addition to varying opinions whether Umpherville was face down or lying in a recovery position on the ground, officers also had trouble recalling where they were positioned while handcuffing Umpherville and whether anyone heard Umpherville call for help.

Another question put to Abrametz was what happens next and whether further criminal proceedings are a possibility.

“It’s been more than three years since so I don’t think that will be re-visited when it’s almost a cold case at this point. But in terms of the civil proceedings I suspect that something may occur in that regard but that’s not my call,” he said.

Response from the Prince Albert Police Service

As per a statement provided by the Prince Albert Police Service, they respect the integrity and independence of the inquest process and appreciate the efforts of the coroner, legal counsel, witnesses, court staff, and all participants involved in the proceedings.

“The Service recognizes the impact this process has on Mr. Umpherville’s family and loved ones. We understand the significance of the inquest for those most closely affected and acknowledge the importance of ensuring the proceedings were conducted in a respectful and meaningful manner,” they said.

Going forward they indicated they will review the recommendations and consider any appropriate next steps.

Members of the Umpherville family were not available for comment after the inquest.

More to come…

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

by Nigel Maxwell

Jury at coroner’s inquest recommends body cams and improved training

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