RCMP request independent investigations in 2 Sask. deaths
2 men died while evading police in separate incidents
After two men died while attempting to evade police officers in Saskatchewan, the RCMP has requested two independent investigations into incidents involving detachments in Onion Lake and Unity.
The first incident occurred near the Onion Lake Cree Nation — approximately 190 kilometres northwest of North Battleford, Sask., by the Alberta border — when RCMP attempted to conduct a check stop.
At approximately 9 p.m. CST on Nov. 5 a vehicle sped away from the check stop. Police followed for a short time but the pursuit was called off due to safety concerns.
The vehicle then rolled when it lost control.
The lone occupant was declared dead at the scene. Regina police are investigating.
The second incident occurred on the afternoon of Nov. 7 when Unity RCMP received a complaint near the Alberta border. When police arrived, a man related to the investigation fled into a body of water. The man then disappeared beneath the surface of the water.
An RCMP officer went into the water but was unable to assist him. His body was later recovered.
Moose Jaw police are investigating this incident.
An independent observer from the Ministry of Justice was requested in both cases.