Saskatchewan's independent police watchdog has taken over an investigation into an officer-involved shooting in Saskatoon that left a 25-year-old man wounded. The incident occurred last week when members of the Saskatoon Police Service's specialized unit were executing a search warrant.
Details of the Rayner Avenue Incident
According to an official news release from the Saskatoon Police Service, the event unfolded on December 19, 2025. Officers from the Tactical Support Unit were serving a warrant at a location on the 1500 block of Rayner Avenue. During the operation, a situation escalated, leading a police member to discharge their service firearm.
The gunfire struck a male suspect at the scene. Emergency medical services promptly transported the 25-year-old man to a Saskatoon hospital for treatment. Police officials stated that he was believed to be in stable condition following the shooting.
Independent Investigation by SIRT
In accordance with standard protocol for serious incidents involving police, the Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) was immediately deployed. SIRT is a civilian-led agency responsible for conducting independent investigations into matters such as deaths, serious injuries, or allegations of sexual assault involving police officers.
The Saskatoon Police Service confirmed that SIRT's civilian executive director has formally accepted carriage of the investigation. This means the police watchdog will lead the probe to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting, ensuring an objective review separate from the involved police service.
Ongoing Process and Community Impact
The investigation is now in its early stages, with SIRT investigators gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and examining the actions of all parties involved. Such probes are critical for maintaining public trust and accountability within the justice system.
Officer-involved shootings, while rare, trigger a rigorous and transparent review process in Saskatchewan. The outcome of the SIRT investigation will be made public in a detailed report, which will outline the findings and any potential recommendations for policy or practice.
As the independent investigation proceeds, the Saskatoon Police Service will typically limit further public commentary to avoid influencing the process. The focus remains on the facts of the case and the well-being of the individual injured during the police operation.
