Saskatchewan RCMP say a 22 year old Prince Albert man is dead after RCMP responded to a home at Cumberland House Cree Nation on Thursday. Police were told a man wanted on a warrant for assaulting a police officer was in the community, and from the investigation, contained a home. When a man on the property was seen with a firearm, additional officers were requested to assist. This is when RCMP issued a civil emergency alert, shortly after 1 p.m., asking people to stay inside their homes. A school was put in hold and secure mode.

Officers say right aver the first civil emergency alert was issued, two people surrendered and were arrested, followed later by a third person, and a loaded gun was seized from one of them. Police report that occupants still inside began shooting. A second civil emergency alert was issued just before 3:30 in the afternoon.

Officers tried to get the occupants to stop shooting and come outside, but Saskatchewan RCMP report shots were exchanged between an occupant and the officers. Just before 5, a man left the home and was arrested, and was taken to hospital for a medical condition unrelated to the day’s events. He told officers someone else was injured inside. A 22 year old man was transported to hospital by ambulance where he was declared dead. His name has not been released.

The Saskatchewan RCMP has requested the Moose Jaw Police Service conduct an independent, external investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death and has requested the Ministry of Justice appoint an independent investigation observer. The four individuals arrested remain in custody as police continue to investigate.