The Weyburn Police Service were the first to respond to the fatal shooting on Highway 39 on Friday. They arrived at the scene shortly after 8 p.m. alongside EMS after a report of a seriously injured individual in an SUV on the Highway, approximately 3 kilometres northwest of Weyburn.
Deputy Police Chief Shane St. John says their members were able to respond very quickly.
“A very scary situation, very upsetting situation. Our members stayed on scene for the protection of everyone there until RCMP did arrive. It definitely shook some people up. This is not a normal occurrence for anyone.”
WPS aided the RCMP in the investigation at the scene and determined two women were traveling together in a black Ford Explorer when a loud crack was heard. The evidence suggests that someone discharged a firearm that stuck the vehicle and injured the passenger.
A 44-year-old woman from Weyburn died at the scene. Her death was considered suspicious and is being investigated by the Saskatchewan RCMP Major Crimes Unit.
“Anything they want us to do, we'll assist with. They know we're ready to assist them with anything they need. But major crimes will have the brunt of that investigation."
St. John reminds the community to be mindful of the situation when having discussions or posting online. Still, he urges anyone with information from that night to bring it to the RCMP.
“Remember that there are victims involved. There are families involved. Don't jump to any conclusions. Let the investigation play out. Let the professionals do that investigation. There is no sense in making stories up that just are not true, it doesn't help anything or anyone.”
“If anyone has seen anything in that area, anything suspicious, please forward that tip on and it will be looked into. Even if it seems small, please call it in. That was a tragic, tragic event and we want to find the people responsible.”