SIRT probing incident after Estevan police officer, suspect seriously hurt

Saskatchewan’s Serious Incident Response Team has been called in to investigate what it called “an officer-involved shooting” inside the Estevan police station.

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

Police said a member of the Estevan Police Service and a suspect were seriously injured in the incident, which began at around 7 a.m. in the city in southeastern Saskatchewan.

At that time, officers responded to what Estevan 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.

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 taken to Regina via STARS air ambulance.

STAR-9 (Regina) has been dispatched for a scene call emergency in the Estevan, SK area.

— STARS (@STARSambulance) November 1, 2023

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

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., but people were still able to move around inside the building. While the hospital was closed, emergency services were still operating.

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

Premier Scott Moe took to social media to offer his thoughts 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