SIRT to investigate after man hurt during arrest in Regina

More details emerged Wednesday about a Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) investigation that was initiated in Regina.

According to a release from the provincial government, SIRT was called Tuesday at about 10:20 a.m., after the Regina Police Service reported a person who was being arrested had suffered serious injuries.

The release said members of the Saskatchewan Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit had executed a search warrant at a home in Regina. After searching the house, officers told a 42-year-old man that he was under arrest.

“Prior to being taken into custody, the male retrieved a knife from a drawer and self-inflicted several stab wounds to his chest,” the release said. “Police took the knife and provided first aid before the injured individual was taken to the hospital with serious injuries, where he currently remains in serious condition.”

After being notified of the incident, SIRT’s civilian executive director took the case and joined three SIRT investigators to begin an investigation.

The release said the probe will look at the conduct of police during the incident, including the circumstances of the man’s arrest and what caused his injury. A final report is to be released to the public within 90 days of the investigation ending.

SIRT was formed to investigate incidents where a person has died or suffered a serious injury during interactions with on- and off-duty police officers or while in police custody. It also is to examine allegations of sexual assault or interpersonal violence involving police.