SIRT begins investigation into Makwa Sahgaiehcan arrest

After what SIRT described as “prolonged discussions,” the man came out and was arrested. He was followed shortly by a second man, who was also arrested on outstanding warrants. The men have been identified as 30-year-old Lane Anthony Purves of Edmonton, and 28-year-old Rayden Joe Kytwayhat of Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation. Both were arrested without further incident.

While the second man was being arrested, officers became involved in a physical altercation with 40-year-old Rose Georgina Angus inside the residence.

RCMP said in a news release that Angus is accused of striking the arresting officers. She is now facing charges that include two counts of assaulting a police officer, two counts of resisting a police officer, one count of obstruction and one count of cocaine possession. She has been released from custody while her court cases proceed.

Video of the confrontation has been widely shared on social media, but it does not clearly show every action taken by either Angus or the officers and begins after the group was outside the home.

RCMP said that bodycam footage of the entire incident has been reviewed and led them to determine that use of force was justified. SIRT will still review that finding.

“During the second altercation, both physical force and a Conducted Energy Weapon (CEW) were used,” said SIRT.

CEWs have several settings, ranging from warning arcs to drive stuns that cause localized pain, to full deployment of multiple probes that cause muscles to temporarily freeze. The level of force used is recorded by the device for later review.

SIRT said four investigators are in the community, and a community liaison has been assigned to help guide people through the process.

SIRT’s investigation will examine the actions of police during this incident, including the circumstances surrounding the woman’s arrest. The RCMP will maintain responsibility for the investigation into the occupants of the residence and their actions.

No further information will be released at this time. A final report will be issued to the public within 90 days of the investigation ending.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com

by Susan McNeil

SIRT begins investigation into Makwa Sahgaiehcan arrest

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