Two charged after police say officers ‘swarmed and assaulted’

A 17-year-old boy and 22-year-old man were arrested, and both have been charged with assaulting a police officer and obstruction of justice following a gathering at a Saskatoon parking lot late Saturday night.

In a news release Monday afternoon, police said the incident began with a traffic stop at Eight Street East and McCool Avenue after the air unit allegedly saw a vehicle “stunting.”

“While conducting the traffic stop, a large group of people began to surround officers. Several additional officers then responded to the area,” the police service explained in a statement.

More aftermath of the Co-Op liquor store parking lot where police had to disperse people who were caught stunting in Saskatoon. (Shane Clausing/650 CKOM)

“As officers were attempting to disperse the crowd, the male youth responded with assaultive behaviour and proceeded to spit on the Constable. Also in the crowd, another male physically assaulted a separate officer by attempting to knock equipment out of the officer’s hand. That man attempted to flee the scene but officers were able to place him under arrest.”

The Saskatoon Police Service’s Air Support Unit published a social media post on Sunday describing the alleged incident.

Last night during cruise night a few drivers took it too far. When @SPSAir1 spotted the activity & we took enforcement action our officers were swarmed and assaulted. Everyone is ok but it was touch and go for a bit. pic.twitter.com/VQDQkRyAN1

— SPS Air Support Unit (@SPSAir1) August 18, 2024

“Last night during cruise night a few drivers took it too far,” the post read. “When (the police air unit) spotted the activity & we took enforcement action our officers were swarmed and assaulted. Everyone is ok but it was touch and go for a bit.”

Saskatoon Police Chief Cameron McBride said on Monday that these incidents have become a recurring issue for police.

“For whatever reason cruise weekend has turned into more of a confrontational environment,” he said, adding that this year help from the Regina police service came to Saskatoon to assist with traffic control.

“It has become a concern with regard to racing, and just generally unsafe behavior in the vicinity of 8th street,” McBride said, noting the police service will be looking into making changes for next year.

The incident on 8th Street had nothing to do with the Rock 102 Show and Shine Weekend. It was not linked to any officially sanctioned activities and did not happen in the area Show and Shine was taking place.

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The incident marks the second time in less than a week that police have reported incidents that saw multiple officers assaulted.

Last week, police described an incident on Tuesday that saw two officers allegedly assaulted in the Hampton Village neighbourhood by a group of children after attempting to render first aid to an injured boy.

In that case, police said two officers sustained were hurt, but didn’t describe the nature or extent of their injuries. Four minors were arrested and charged.

Police said between Friday and Sunday, officers in Saskatoon – with assistance from members of the Regina Police Service and RCMP – handed out more than 80 tickets and 70 warnings. Two vehicles were impounded, police said, four licences were suspended, and four people were arrested.

Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to include new details released by the police service. With files from 650 CKOM’s Mia Holowaychuk.