An independent investigation is being launched after a death in the Macklin area.
According to a news release sent out from the Saskatchewan RCMP, the Unity RCMP and the Provost RCMP responded to a complaint in the Unity detachment area near the Alberta border around 1:00 p.m. After police arrived to the scene of the complaint, a man involved in the incident attempted to flee police by swimming across a slough.
During the attempt, he disappeared beneath the water of the slough. An RCMP member entered the water, but was not able to assist the man. His body was later recovered by the Macklin Fire Department and the Lloydminster Rescue Squad.
According to squad chief Norm Namur, five members, with the airboat and diving equipment, were sent down to the Macklin area to assist with the scene. The body of the man was located within 10 minutes of their arrival.
“This year, we’ve seen an increase in response with our airboat and our dive team,” said Namur.
“It’s been a little odd, but we’re well prepared.”
In order to ensure a through and impartial investigation, the Saskatchewan RCMP have requested for an external investigation of the circumstances which led to the incident. The RCMP have also requested that the Ministry of Justice appoint an independent observer in the case.
The investigation will be handled by Moose Jaw Police Services. In the news release, the RCMP indicated they will not be making any further comment about the incident.