Regina police officer injured by friendly fire discharged from hospital

The Regina police officer who was shot by another officer last month has been discharged from hospital, but still has a long road to recovery ahead of him.

While police haven’t named the officer, an online fundraiser identified him as Sam Kosolofski, a husband and father of two.

According to police, officers were executing a search warrant on Retallack Street on April 26 after reports came in of an injured man being chased down a nearby street. During the raid, an officer fired a gun which struck and injured Kosokofski, who was serving as part of the police force’s Tactical Support Unit. Police have described the shooting as accidental.

In a statement issued Tuesday, the Regina Police Service said Kosokofski “suffered serious and life changing injuries and has a very long road to recovery,” adding that he and his family will receive the full support of the police service.

Regina police chief Farooq Sheikh thanked all those who helped in the aftermath of the shooting.

“I want to thank everyone who supported and provided immediate aid to the officer at the scene, his colleagues, EMS who attended, and the doctors and nurses who operated and cared for him throughout his time at the hospital,” Sheikh said in a statement.

“More importantly, I want to recognize the injured officer, an outstanding police officer of exemplary service, for his strength, bravery, and resilience throughout this traumatic period. The officer is a positive role model to us all and I wish him a speedy recovery.”

The shooting remains under investigation by the police service’s Major Crimes Unit, and is being monitored by the Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team, a police oversight agency.

Eight people are facing charges of unlawful confinement and assault in connection with the search.

Meanwhile, an online fundraiser aiming to support Kosolofski and his family during his recovery has raised more than $41,000.