Man dead after standoff with police on Montreal Lake Cree Nation

A man is dead following a standoff with the RCMP on the Montreal Lake Cree Nation on Tuesday.

Officers from the Waskesiu RCMP detachment were called to a home on Montreal Lake shortly before 5 p.m., for a report of a man barricaded inside with a gun.

Officers were told the man used the gun to chase another person out of his house before police arrived at the scene.

Officers surrounding the house fired their guns at the man when he left the home holding a gun at 10:15 p.m.

Life-saving measures were performed on the man until paramedics arrive. He was transported to Victoria Hospital in Prince Albert, where he was declared dead around 11 p.m.

The man’s family has been notified and victim services are available for them.

The Saskatchewan RCMP has asked Saskatoon police to conduct an independent external investigation into the circumstances of the Montreal Lake man’s death, as provincial legislation requires.

“The Saskatchewan RCMP takes these matters very seriously. We are giving the Saskatoon Police Service our full co-operation as they conduct an independent, external investigation into the circumstances surrounding what happened yesterday,” said Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore.

“This is a tragic incident for everyone involved, including the family of the deceased, the community and our officers. We extend our condolences to the family of the deceased and the community of Montreal Lake Cree Nation.”

RCMP has also requested the Ministry of Justice to appoint an independent investigation observer.

Montreal Lake residents can expect an increased police presence in the community.