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
Man who set himself on fire outside Trump trial dies of injuries, police say
A man who doused himself in an accelerant and set himself on fire outside the courthouse where former President Donald Trump is on trial has died, police said.
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Saskatoon police to search landfill for remains of woman missing since 2020
Saskatoon police say they will begin searching the city’s landfill for the remains of Mackenzie Lee Trottier, who has been missing for more than three years.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.