Prince Albert police chief responds to officer-involved shooting, death of man

By Nigel Maxwell

Prince Albert’s police chief says the organization will assist independent investigators any way they can as the province’s Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) examines police-related actions that led to a man’s death Monday evening.

Jon Bergen spoke to media Tuesday afternoon about the incident, which occurred off South Industrial Drive. The only information provided thus far is an unnamed man got into a confrontation with police and during the altercation a firearm was discharged.

As the investigation is ongoing, Bergen explained no details can be provided on the man or whether he had a weapon. Bergen was, however, able to confirm that while no police officers were physically injured, the incident has a big impact on the entire organization.

“No police officer ever wakes up, puts on the uniform, and wants to be faced with the most difficult decision we will ever have to make as a police officer,” he said.

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The incident marks the city’s fourth police-involved shooting. The last one was in 2013 when police shot Ryan Natomagan who possessed a knife.

Prince Albert police vehicles observed Tuesday morning in the 400 block of South Industrial Drive. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW)

One of the questions posed to Bergen on Tuesday afternoon was related to the employment status of the officer involved. Bergen replied it’s too early in the investigation to look at that.

“The most important, highest priority is ensuring that the members that have information, that are going to aid the investigation, are made available for the investigation,” he said.

Bergen noted that within 15 minutes of the shooting, he was notified and immediately contacted SIRT. He also explained he had been at the police station since 2 a.m. to provide support to members and an entire relief team was brought in to respond to other calls being made during the night.

Saskatchewan’s Serious Incident Response Team is an independent, civilian-led team that investigates matters where serious injury or death may have occurred while someone is in the custody of police, or as a result of a police officer’s actions.

According to a statement provided to paNOW, additional details will be provided as the investigation allows and a public report will be made available at the conclusion of the investigation.

“Its been a long shift for the entire organization and it will be for the next few days but we see members making themselves available and supporting each other and knowing the importance of being here to take care of one another,” Bergen said.