An Estevan police officer was seriously injured in an incident in that city on Nov. 1, 2023. (980 CJME/File Photo)

By CJME News

Crime Update

Estevan officer shot with police gun, suspect shot by second officer: SIRT

Nov 3, 2023 | 2:58 PM

Saskatchewan’s Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) says an Estevan police officer injured in an incident Wednesday was shot with a police gun before the suspect was shot by another officer.

In a media release Friday, SIRT provided more details about the incident that began Wednesday at around 7 a.m., when officers responded to what police called a “serious incident” on Sixth Street.

An update issued Thursday by the Estevan Police Service said officers responded to a call about a medical emergency involving a woman who was hurt and bleeding. When police arrived at the apartment, they found a woman with serious upper-body injuries.

Karie Ann Guillas, 46, was taken to hospital by EMS, but died at 9:30 a.m. Police subsequently said her injuries were consistent with a stabbing, and their investigation determined she had been murdered.

Officers arrested the suspect at the apartment and took him to the Estevan police station. He later was identified by a family member as 19-year-old Justice Guillas.

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“During the process of photographing the man, a confrontation took place and the man gained control of an EPS-issued firearm,” SIRT said in its release. “During the incident, one member of EPS was shot, sustaining a serious injury. A second EPS member discharged their service pistol, striking the 19-year-old man.”

SIRT’s release didn’t explicitly say the suspect shot the officer.

Both the suspect and police officer were treated at the scene before being transported to hospital in Estevan. Both were then airlifted to hospital in Regina by STARS air ambulance.

The man was pronounced dead at approximately 3:50 p.m. on Wednesday. At last report from Estevan police, the officer was in stable condition.

A SIRT team comprising the civilian executive director and five SIRT investigators were deployed to Estevan to probe the officer-involved shooting.

“SIRT’s investigation will examine the actions of police during this incident,” the release said. “EPS will maintain conduct of the homicide investigation that led to the initial arrest, and the RCMP are investigating the injuries sustained by the EPS member during the incident.”

In a recent statement, the Mounties said 319 charges for assaulting or disarming a police officer were laid in the Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction between Jan. 1 and Aug. 31.

SIRT said it wouldn’t be releasing any further information about the incident or its investigation. A final report on the incident is to be released to the public within 90 days of the investigation ending.

The team investigates alleged cases of serious injury, death, sexual assault, or interpersonal violence arising from the actions of on- and off-duty police officers, or while an individual is in police custody.

Premier Scott Moe was asked about the incident during an event in Moose Jaw on Friday morning.

“This speaks to just what our law enforcement officials — often our first responders — face each and every day,” Moe said. “They face dangers in our community each and every day to ensure ultimately that we’re safe as we live in those communities.

“We’re so very thankful for this gentleman’s service and to his family for their support of him in what is a tragic and unnecessary occurrence. We continue to think of and pray for and be thankful for all of our law enforcement officials across the province.”