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
B.C. child killer's lawyer walks out of review hearing
The lawyer representing child-killer Allan Schoenborn walked out of his client's annual review hearing Wednesday – abruptly ending proceedings marked by tense exchanges and several outbursts.
Why drivers in Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada will see a gas price spike, and other Canadians won't
Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
'A living nightmare': Winnipeg woman sentenced following campaign of harassment against man after online date
A Winnipeg woman was sentenced to house arrest after a single date with a man she met online culminated in her harassing him for years, and spurred false allegations which resulted in the innocent man being arrested three times.
How to avoid the trap of becoming 'house poor'
The journey to home ownership can be exciting, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew warns about the trappings of becoming 'house poor' -- where an overwhelming portion of your income is devoured by housing costs. Liew offers some practical strategies to maintain better financial health while owning a home.
It's the biggest election in history. Here's why few Indians in Canada will take part
In the Indian general election that gets underway on Friday, almost a billion people are eligible to vote, but a vast majority of the overseas Indian community in Canada won't be casting a ballot.
McDonald's customers left with 'zero value' collection of free hot drink stickers after company ends program
It took years for Vinnie Deluca to collect more than 400 cards worth of free McDonald's McCafe coffee, a collection that now has "zero value" after the company discontinued the program.
Juror dismissed in Trump hush money trial as prosecutors ask for former president to face contempt
Prosecutors in the hush money trial of Donald Trump asked Thursday for the former president to be held in contempt and fined because of seven social media posts that they said violated a judge's gag order barring him from attacking witnesses.
Toxic forever chemicals in drinking water: Is Canada doing enough?
As the United States sets its first national limits on toxic forever chemicals in drinking water, researchers say Canada is lagging when it comes to regulations.
Where did the gold go? Crime expert weighs in on unfolding Pearson airport heist investigation
Almost 7,000 bars of pure gold were stolen from Pearson International Airport exactly one year ago during an elaborate heist, but so far only a tiny fraction of that stolen loot has been found.