Prince Albert Police Chief Jon Bergen was joined by several members of the organization's administration when he spoke to media Tuesday afternoon, including Deputy Chief Farica Prince and Inspectors Scott Hayes, Lisa Simonson and Craig Mushka. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Public safety

Prince Albert police chief responds to officer-involved shooting, death of man

Jan 17, 2023 | 4:52 PM

Update: Story was updated Wednesday morning to include a statement from the Prince Albert Police Association.

Prince Albert’s police chief says the organization will assist independent investigators any way they can as the province’s Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) examines police-related actions that led to a man’s death Monday evening.

Jon Bergen spoke to media Tuesday afternoon about the incident which occurred off South Industrial Drive. The only information provided thus far is an unnamed man got into a confrontation with police and during the altercation a firearm was discharged.

As the investigation is ongoing, Bergen explained no details can be provided on the man or whether he had a weapon. Bergen was however able to confirm that while no police officers were physically injured, the incident has a big impact on the entire organization.

“No police officer ever wakes up, puts on the uniform, and wants to be faced with the most difficult decision we will ever have to make as a police officer,” he said.

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The incident marks the city’s fourth police-involved shooting. The last one was in 2013 when police shot Ryan Natomagan who possessed a knife.

One of the questions posed to Bergen Tuesday afternoon was related to the employment status of the officer involved. Bergen replied it’s too early in the investigation to look at that.

“The most important, highest priority is ensuring that the members that have information, that are going to aid the investigation, are made available for the investigation,” he said.

Bergen noted that within 15 minutes of the shooting, he was notified and immediately contacted SIRT. He also explained he was at the police station since 2 a.m. to provide support to members and an entire relief team was brought in to respond to other calls being made during the night.

A picture taken of officers on scene. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

A thick line of yellow police tape surrounds a parking lot in the 400 block of South Industrial Drive. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Saskatchewan’s Serious Incident Response Team is an independent, civilian-led team which investigates matters where serious injury or death may have occurred while someone is in the custody of police, or as a result of a police officer’s actions.

According to a statement provided to paNOW, additional details will be provided as the investigation allows and a public report will be made available at the conclusion of the investigation.

“Its been a long shift for the entire organization and it will be for the next few days but we see members making themselves available and supporting each other and knowing the importance of being here to take care of one another,” Bergen said.

Statement from Police Association

Following Monday night’s fatal shooting, Nolan Carter, President of the Prince Albert Police Association released the following statement:

“Last night’s event is a tragedy for all involved, and for our community. The use of deadly force is one aspect of policing that should never be taken lightly, and we look forward to fully cooperating with the Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) as they investigate the incident. As an association we are also committed to working with our members thru this difficult period to ensure that they receive the supports necessary following a potentially traumatic situation. Police personnel are rightfully subject to the most rigorous oversight possible, particularly with respect to the use of deadly force, and our association is confident that SIRT will conduct this investigation with the utmost of professionalism and diligence.”

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell