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
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.