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. 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 cry for help or state he could not breathe.

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

The subject of body camera is not new for the Prince Albert Police Service has been on the police service’s radar for several years already. Deputy Chief Farica Prince confirmed support for the equipment.

“Financially it would be a difficult position for us to take and implement in a timely manner however there’s a huge appetite for it,” she said.

Going forward Prince confirmed no policy can be changed or reviewed whether there’s a separate investigation also occurring such as the SIRT investigation or the inquest.

Acknowledging the hardship suffered and the loss felt by the Umpherville family, Prince stated this case has also been very difficult for the police officers who have received criticism for their actions.

“You know applying or making the decision to use force, is one of the most difficult decisions a police officer has to make in their career,” she said.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

by Nigel Maxwell

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

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