Saskatchewan’s police watchdog is investigating after an RCMP officer shot a man armed with knives on Flying Dust First Nation.Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) confirmed it received notification from the RCMP about the officer involved shooting at approximately 5:53 pm on June 29. SIRT’s civilian executive director accepted the case as within the agency’s mandate and launched an investigation.The incident began earlier that evening. Meadow Lake RCMP responded to a 5:08 pm call reporting an intoxicated and aggressive family member inside a Flying Dust residence. Two officers arrived at the home around 5:19 pm.Police say almost immediately, a 39-year-old man confronted the members outside. .He was holding a knife in each hand and advanced towards them. Officers commanded him to drop the weapons, but he continued moving forward.At approximately 5:20 pm, one officer fired two shots from his service pistol. Both rounds struck the man in the torso, causing him to fall. RCMP members provided first aid and called emergency medical services (EMS). The man was initially taken to a local hospital then transferred to Saskatoon by STARS air ambulance where he remains..SIRT deployed a team, including its director and six investigators, to the Meadow Lake detachment and the Flying Dust First Nation. A community liaison will be appointed as required by law. Investigators secured two knives found at the scene as evidence.SIRT’s probe will focus on police conduct during the incident, including the arrest circumstances. RCMP retains responsibility for investigating the original disturbance call and the man’s actions. No further details are being released. SIRT must issue a public report within 90 days of concluding its investigation.
