Prince Albert RCMP have apprehended an escaped suspect in the Troy Napope murder.
On April 6th, at 4:30 p.m., police received information related to the location of Braidy Vermette. Vermette is charged with one count of first degree murder in relation to the death of Troy Napope and had escaped custody while receiving medical treatment on March 30th in Prince Albert.
As a result of the information received and the seriousness of charges against Vermette, the RCMP Emergency Response Team was deployed to a residence in the Rural Municipality of Buckland. It was learned that both Vermette and Tristen Smith, who was wanted by the Prince Albert Police Service for breach of undertaking, were inside the residence.
Shortly after 1:00 a.m. on April 7th, Braidy Vermette and Tristen Smith were taken into police custody when they exited the residence as it caught fire. Buckland Fire and Rescue responded and worked to extinguish the fire; however, the residence is expected to be a total loss. There are no reported injuries to any suspects, police, or the public.
There is no risk to public safety, but there may be road restrictions in place for a period of time today in the RM of Buckland. Police are asking the public to stay away from this area as the investigation and efforts to extinguish the fire are ongoing.
In addition, the RCMP has requested another police service conduct an independent, external investigation into this matter, and has requested the Government of Saskatchewan assign an independent observer. As the incident is being handled by an external agency and an independent observer, the RCMP will not be providing any further information.