Estevan officer in stable condition after incident at police station

The Estevan Police Service said Wednesday afternoon that the officer involved in an incident at the police station earlier in the day was in stable condition.

In a short media release just before 4 p.m., the police service said the officer had been involved in what it called “a serious incident at the Estevan Police Service station during the course of his duties.”

The media release confirmed the officer had been taken via STARS air ambulance to Regina, where he was listed in stable condition. It didn’t outline the nature of the officer’s injuries, nor did it say anything about the suspect.

Saskatchewan’s Serious Incident Response Team is investigating the incident, which it termed “an officer-involved shooting.” SIRT is hoping to release more details by Friday.

SIRT has been deployed to an officer-involved shooting that took place this morning in Estevan. Details to follow.

— Serious Incident Response Team – Saskatchewan (@SIRT_SK) November 1, 2023

Earlier in the day, Estevan police said the officer and suspect were seriously injured in the incident, which began at around 7 a.m. in the city.

At that time, officers had responded to what police called a “serious incident” on Sixth Street.

An individual was taken into custody and was taken to the Estevan police station for processing, according to EPS Chief Rich Lowen.

Police said that at 9:30 a.m., while the individual was being processed, an altercation took place between the individual and a police officer. Both suffered serious injuries and were transported to Regina.

No further details about the incident were released, including the nature of the injuries sustained by the police officer, the suspect or the victim of the incident on Sixth Street.

In an emailed statement, the RCMP laid out its role in the investigation.

“Saskatchewan RCMP General Investigation Section is solely investigating the injuries sustained by the Estevan Police Service member during the altercation that occurred at their station earlier today,” the statement said. “Further details regarding the respective investigations will be provided by the investigating agencies as details become available.”

Estevan’s St. Joseph’s Hospital was locked down at about 9:50 a.m. The Saskatchewan Health Authority confirmed the lockdown was related to what was happening in the community, but there wasn’t anything inside the hospital.

The lockdown at the hospital was lifted at around 1 p.m.

Premier Scott Moe took to social media to offer his best to the injured officer.

An Estevan Police Service officer has been seriously injured in an incident with a suspect this morning.

It is a reminder how all protective services officers put their lives at risk every day to protect all of us. We owe them all a tremendous debt of gratitude.

Our thoughts…

— Scott Moe (@PremierScottMoe) November 1, 2023

Other individuals and organizations also weighed in on social media, including Weyburn Mayor Marcel Roy.

Our thoughts and support go out to the entire Estevan Police Service and family of the injured officer. As always, the Weyburn Police Service works closely with the Estevan Police Service and will provide the necessary support as they navigate this difficult situation.

— Mayor Marcel Roy (@MayorMarcelRoy) November 1, 2023

Our thoughts are with the @Estevan_Police as we pray for a speedy recovery for the member involved in a shooting this morning at Estevan Police HQ. @SaskatoonPolice @RCMPSK @WeyburnPolice @PAPOLICEca @MJPolice @reginapolice

— Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police (@SKPoliceChiefs) November 1, 2023

— With files from Discover Estevan