More details released on P.A. police shooting, weapon recovered

The civilian-led oversight body that is now charged with investigating police shootings in Saskatchewan released more details Friday about the death of Johnathan Gardiner (Daigneault).

The Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) said a Prince Albert Police Service member in a marked police vehicle had started an investigation in the 400 block of South Industrial Drive on Monday at about 10:40 p.m.

During the encounter that followed, the officers involved started a foot chase that led to a confrontation between the officers and Gardiner. One officer discharged their gun, shooting Gardiner.

Officers called for EMS and provided first aid until the ambulance arrived and took over care. Gardiner was taken to the hospital where he was declared deceased.

The SIRT team officially began its job on Jan. 1 and includes a civilian as executive director who then came to Prince Albert along with three investigators.

A weapon was recovered from the scene and has been kept as evidence.

As part of the ongoing investigation, SIRT is asking anyone who may have been in the area between 10:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. and may have witnessed or have video of the incident, which has not yet been provided, to contact SIRT at 306-933-6342.

SIRT is not releasing any more information right now but says a final report will be issued within 90 days of the investigation ending.

SIRT’s mandate is to investigate alleged cases of serious injury, death, sexual assault or interpersonal violence arising from the actions of on- and off-duty police officers, or while an individual is in police custody.