Saskatchewan's police oversight body has cleared Regina Police Service officers who fatally shot a man during a 2024 incident after the man fired gunshots at a police vehicle. The Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) report, dated May 21, concludes that the level of force used by the officers fell within the legal range, and there are no grounds to believe that an offence was committed.
Incident Summary
The incident occurred on May 19, 2024, in the 1100 block of Garry Street. According to the SIRT report, police intended to arrest the man for mischief under $5,000 due to previous events. Officers knew that the man had a handgun registered in his name, a 2007 conviction for assault with a weapon, and had allegedly threatened to shoot someone in 2020.
When officers knocked on the door of his home, the man told them to leave unless they had a warrant and that he was under arrest. He was informed that he was indeed under arrest and instructed to come outside. The man responded by stating, "If you do not get off my property, I will come outside and shoot you."
Police Response
The Regina Police Service SWAT team and a crisis negotiator were called to the scene. When police contacted the man by phone, he said he was going to load his guns and that they could come in and get him. At approximately 3:35 p.m., the man emerged from his front door with a handgun, stood on his front step, and began firing numerous rounds, striking a police patrol vehicle parked outside his residence.
In response, two officers shot at the man, with one round striking him. He was pronounced dead at the scene minutes later. SIRT was notified immediately after the shooting.
Findings of the Report
The SIRT report states that the man's actions created "an objectively reasonable perception of a risk of death or grievous bodily harm to the involved police officers and nearby residents." In such situations, police are permitted to use force that is intended or likely to cause death. The report concludes that "as a result of the application of the facts established by the evidence to the standard established by law, no charges will be laid."
The Regina Leader-Post has created an Afternoon Headlines newsletter that can be delivered daily to your inbox to keep you updated with the most vital news of the day. Click here to subscribe. With some online platforms blocking access to journalism, our website is your destination for up-to-the-minute news. Make sure to bookmark leaderpost.com and sign up for our newsletters to stay informed.
