Prime minister, Sask. premier mourn death of RCMP officer killed on-duty
Officials and community members from Saskatchewan and across Canada are sharing messages of mourning after an RCMP officer was killed on-duty Saturday.
“Very sad news from Saskatchewan tonight,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrote on Twitter. “Sending my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of [RCMP] officers Shelby Patton – know that I’m keeping you in my thoughts.”
Const. Patton, 26, initiated the stop with a stolen truck in the town of Wolseley, Sask., around 8 a.m. local time Saturday. He was struck by the vehicle and later died at the scene.
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.
“It is with tremendous sorrow that Saskatchewan mourns the loss of RCMP Constable Shelby Patton, who was killed in the line of duty this morning,” Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe wrote on Twitter. “Our grief is only matched by our tremendous gratitude to Constable Patton for his service, and to every police officer who serves and protects us every day.”
“I extend my condolences to all who knew and loved Constable Patton,” Jagmeet Singh, Canada’s NDP leader wrote.
A COMMUNITY MOURNS
Jeff Slinn an intermediate care paramedic with Indian Head Ambulance, called Patton “a friend to many.” He described his relationship with Patton as mostly professional, but said they played on a community slo-pitch team together.
“It’s a small community as far an Indian Head and the surrounding area,” Slinn said. “We’re all one family, we work very close with police on a day-to-day basis, they’re here to protect and serve us and they do that job every day.”
In Indian Head, Sask. where Patton was a member since 2015, a growing memorial of flowers can be seen outside the RCMP detachment.
Slinn, who has been with Indian head Ambulance for 21 years, said he felt compelled to bring his children to the growing memorial for Patton.
A memorial of flowers grows outside the RCMP detachment in Indian Head, Sask. in memory of Const. Shelby Patton. (Gareth Dillistone / CTV News)
A memorial of flowers grows outside the RCMP detachment in Indian Head, Sask. in memory of Const. Shelby Patton. (Gareth Dillistone / CTV News)
“I think it’s important for the community and our kids to understand what the RCMP do for us, and what they sacrifice to be here,” Slinn said.
“He’s a good man.”
The mayor of Wolseley described a state of shock in the community on Saturday evening, after the incident.
Wolseley Mayor Gerald Hill explained the situation is difficult to comprehend, especially for an officer early in his career.
“Way too young, not old enough. Just starting out, just starting out,” Hill said to CTV News.
Mounties say an increased police presence is expected in the areas around Wolseley and Francis as the investigation continues.
Flags at detachments around the province will be lowered at half-mast until his funeral.
Many in the law enforcement community across the country have shared their condolences online.
“Thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and colleagues of the [RCMP officer] lost in the line of duty today,” Evan Bray, Chief of the Regina Police Service tweeted. “On behalf of all us [at Regina police] we stand beside you and offer support through this difficult time.”
“Our condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of RCMP Constable Shelby Patton,” Edmonton Police wrote.
“We grieve the tragic loss of [Const.] Shelby Patton,” tweeted the Halifax Police.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Trudeau promises $1B in loans for child-care providers to expand care centres
The federal government is launching a new loan program to help child-care providers in Canada expand their spaces, and will be extending further student loan forgiveness and training options for early childhood educators, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Thursday.
Spring allergy season has begun. Where is it worse in Canada?
The spring allergy season has started early in many parts of Canada, with high levels of pollen in some cities already. Experts weigh in on which areas have it worse so far this season.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Several flight attendants from Pakistan have gone missing after landing in Canada
Multiple flight attendants from Pakistan International Airlines have abandoned their jobs and are believed to have sought asylum in Canada in the past year and a half, a spokesperson for the government-owned airline says.
N.B. man wins $64 million from Lotto 6/49
A New Brunswicker will go to bed Thursday night much richer than he was Wednesday after collecting on a winning lottery ticket he let sit on his bedroom dresser for nearly a year.
'Nonsense:' Doug Ford slams lawsuits filed by Ontario school boards against social media platforms
Premier Doug Ford says that lawsuits launched by four Ontario school boards against a trio of social media platforms are “nonsense” and risk becoming a distraction to the work that really matters.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
Multiple bridges in Calgary shut down for police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
King Charles calls for acts of friendship in first public remarks since Kate's cancer diagnosis
King Charles III gave public remarks for Maundy Thursday, addressing the importance of acts of friendship, following his and Catherine, Princess of Wales’ cancer diagnoses.