Battlefords RCMP say one man was killed in an officer involved shooting during the execution of a search warrant on Saturday in Waseca.

The search warrant was issued in connection to an investigation by the Battlefords RCMP Gang Task Force into drug and weapons trafficking, including methamphetamine and fentynal in west-central Saskatchewan.

The RCMP Critical Incident Response Team was on hand to assist with the execution of the search warrant at a commercial property shortly before noon where four people were located and police negotiation convinced three to exit the building where they were taken into custody.

A man still inside took longer to exit refusing police commands, and when he did leave the building RCMP say he refused to comply with officer demands once outside, and displayed a gun. That is when RCMP say gunfire was exchanged and the man was fatally injured.

The deceased is a 33 year old man from the Lloydminster area. One RCMP officer is in hospital with a non-life threatening injury.

The Saskatoon Police Service has been asked to conduct an independent investigation into the officer involved shooting. As well, the RCMP has requested an independent investigation observer be appointed by the Ministry of Justice.

Saskatchewan RCMP Commanding Officer, Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore, says, “The Saskatchewan RCMP takes these matters very seriously. We are giving the external investigators at the Saskatoon Police Service our full cooperation as they conduct an independent, external investigation into the circumstances surrounding what happened.

Residents in the Waseca area can expect an increased police presence.