Sask. RCMP officer shoots suspect in arm after car chase, watchdog investigating
RCMP say chase ended up with vehicle hitting an enbankment near Canwood and suspect getting out carrying a gun
Saskatchewan's police oversight organization is investigating after a chase Wednesday ended with an officer shooting a suspect in a field near Canwood, Sask., about 130 kilometres north of Saskatoon.
According to the Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT), RCMP located a vehicle connected to a person wanted on firearms charges from incidents on James Smith Cree Nation.
When officers tried stopping an SUV near Crutwell, Sask., it took off.
SIRT's release said the SUV left the road and drove through fields several times.
The SUV finally hit an embankment in a pasture and came to a stop.
RCMP say the man at the wheel got out and was holding a gun.
An officer fired two shots, hitting the suspect in the arm, RCMP say. The man was then arrested.
He and a woman who was inside the car were both taken to hospital.
The 30-year old woman was treated for potential injuries from the SUV's collision with the embankment. RCMP said their injuries are not considered life threatening.
SIRT said a handgun was recovered from the ground at the scene.
The 32-year-old man was wanted by Melfort and Île-à-la-Crosse RCMP for multiple firearms and weapons charges.
He has not been identified.
The passenger is Jasmine Head, a 30-year-old woman from Peter Chapman Band. Head faces robbery and weapons charges related to a May 17 incident at James Smith Cree Nation.
SIRT's investigation will examine the conduct of police during this incident, including the circumstances surrounding the man's arrest.
The RCMP will still be responsible for the investigation of the original firearms incident, as well as the actions of the occupants of the vehicle during the incident.