The Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) has launched an investigation into a collision involving an RCMP vehicle that left a 16-year-old boy seriously injured on the Kawacatoose First Nation.
The incident occurred on the night of April 8. Around 10:02 p.m., Punnichy RCMP responded to multiple calls reporting a disturbance involving firearms at a residence on the First Nation. Two officers, each driving a marked RCMP cruiser with emergency equipment activated, were en route to the scene when the collision occurred.
According to SIRT, at approximately 10:12 p.m., the lead RCMP vehicle was signalled to stop by a 16-year-old male standing at the roadside. The teen was then struck by the second police vehicle in the southbound lane.
Officers immediately called for EMS and provided first aid until paramedics arrived. The teen was later airlifted to a Regina hospital by STARS Air Ambulance, where he was determined to have sustained serious injuries under the definition of The Police Act, 1990.
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SIRT received notification of the incident shortly after 11 p.m. that evening and determined the matter fell within its mandate. A team including the civilian executive director and six investigators, was deployed to Punnichy and Kawacatoose First Nation to begin the investigation.
SIRT says it will examine the conduct of the RCMP officers involved. A community liaison will also be appointed as part of the process. The RCMP will remain responsible for investigating the initial firearms-related disturbance.
No additional information will be released while the investigation is ongoing. A final report will be made public within 90 days after the conclusion of the investigation.
SIRT investigates incidents involving serious injury or death resulting from police actions, as well as allegations of sexual assault or interpersonal violence involving law enforcement officers.