RCMP officer, 26, killed during Sask. traffic stop
Const. Shelby Patton of the Indian Head RCMP detachment was killed while on-duty on Saturday morning, according to Saskatchewan RCMP.
Speaking at a press conference, Rhonda Blackmore, the assistant commissioner of the Saskatchewan RCMP, confirmed Patton was killed during a traffic stop.
Blackmore said Patton initiated the stop with a stolen truck in the town of Wolseley, Sask., around 8 a.m. local time.
He was struck by the vehicle and later died at the scene. Patton was 26 years-old.
The truck left the scene and was later located in a rural area northeast of Francis, Sask.
Two suspects, a man and a woman, were arrested around 10 a.m. on Saturday in connection with the incident. Police say the suspects remain in custody.
'THE IDEAL RCMP MEMBER'
Blackmore said Patton was described as the “ideal RCMP member” by his colleagues.
“Nothing but the highest praise of this member. Hard working, dedicated,” Blackmore said. “Just an outstanding individual dedicated to the public of Saskatchewan and who was very committed to making sure he did his duties to the utmost of his ability.”
Assistant RCMP Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore speaks to the media at F Division - Saskatchewan RCMP Headquarters, on June 12, 2021. (Gareth Dillistone/CTV News)
Assistant RCMP Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore speaks to the media at F Division - Saskatchewan RCMP Headquarters, on June 12, 2021. (Gareth Dillistone/CTV News)
Patton spent six years as a member of the RCMP, stationed at the Indian Head detachment since 2015. Blackmore said he also spent time on assignment at Parliament Hill before officially beginning his duties in Indian Head.
He leaves behind his wife.
“I am heartbroken for her and her family," Blackmore said. “Constable Patton’s family is also part of the RCMP family. They’ve lost a husband, son and brother.”
ONGOING INVESTIGATION
Mounties say an increased police presence is expected in the areas around Wolseley and Francis as the investigation continues.
The RCMP Major Crime Unit North is taking the lead in the investigation. RCMP said updated information is expected in the coming days.
As of 6 p.m., police still had several blocks closed off in the town of Wolseley.
RCMP closed off a perimeter of several blocks in Wolseley on Saturday. (Gina Martin/CTV News)
RCMP closed off a perimeter of several blocks in Wolseley on Saturday. (Gina Martin/CTV News)
Blackmore said there are no additional suspects being investigated at this time. She added that police believe no weapons were involved in the incident.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe paid his respects to Patton online, tweeting his condolences to Patton’s family.
The last death of an on-duty RCMP officer in Saskatchewan occurred in July 2012.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.