Saskatchewan’s Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred during a police pursuit near the village of Canwood on Wednesday.According to a release from SIRT, RCMP officers with the Warrant Enforcement and Suppression Team attempted to stop a dark-coloured SUV linked to recent firearms incidents on the James Smith Cree Nation. The driver failed to stop, prompting a chase that moved off-road and through fields.Around 12:44 pm, the SUV crashed into an embankment in a pasture east of Canwood. A 32-year-old man exited the driver’s side, and a confrontation occurred with the officer in the lead police vehicle. The officer discharged a service pistol, striking the man in the arm..The man was arrested at the scene without further incident. A 30-year-old woman, who was a passenger in the SUV, was also taken into custody without incident. RCMP officers provided first aid, and both individuals were transported to the hospital. The man was treated for a gunshot wound to his left arm, while the woman was treated for possible injuries from the crash.A handgun was found on the ground near the scene and has been secured as evidence.SIRT, which investigates serious incidents involving police, accepted the case as falling within its mandate and deployed six investigators to the area, along with a community liaison. The team will examine the conduct of the RCMP officers during the incident. The RCMP will continue to investigate the original firearms matter and the actions of the SUV’s occupants.A final report from SIRT will be released within 90 days after the investigation concludes.
