News release

Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team notified after death occurred during RCMP emergency response

March 20, 2026 - Onion Lake Cree Nation, Saskatchewan
From: Saskatchewan RCMP

Content

Saskatchewan RCMP has notified the Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) of a death that occurred during a Saskatchewan RCMP emergency response. 

On March 18, 2026, at approximately 8:20 a.m., Onion Lake RCMP received a report that an adult female was being forcibly confined in a residence by an adult male armed with a firearm on a rural property within Onion Lake Cree Nation. Onion Lake RCMP officers and the Saskatchewan RCMP Critical Incident Response Team responded immediately to contain the residence. The adult female was able to exit the residence. 

RCMP crisis negotiators communicated with the man and requested he exit the residence safely. At approximately 3:20 p.m., officers entered the residence. The adult male was located inside with injuries and officers provided initial medical assistance. The adult male was later pronounced deceased by EMS on scene. His family has been notified.

Three firearms were recovered from the residence. There is no indication that RCMP officers discharged their firearms during this police response. 

As required by The Police Act, 1990, Saskatchewan RCMP notified the Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT). SIRT will investigate the circumstances of the in-custody death.

Although the incident happened in Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction, it occurred approximately four kilometres west of the Saskatchewan–Alberta border. The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team will be working in conjunction with the Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team as part of the oversight process. 

The Saskatchewan RCMP is disclosing this as part of our ongoing commitment to transparency.

Initial reporting of this incident is based on preliminary information gathered following the event. Subsequent reporting related to this incident may contain additional details determined through further investigation.

Any inquiries regarding this matter can be directed to SIRT, which will be providing further updates as their investigation unfolds.