RCMP Constable Shelby Patton of the Indian Head RCMP detachment was killed in a collision between Wolesley and Francis while on duty on Saturday, June 12.
CKOM News reported on its website June 12 that Patton died while responding to a complaint of a stolen truck.
CKOM reported that during a media conference Saturday afternoon, Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore said officer Shelby Patton of the Indian Head RCMP detachment was killed d when he was struck by the truck as it attempted to flee the scene.
“Tragedy unfolded early this morning for our Saskatchewan RCMP family,” Blackmore said. “This morning along with the Indian Head detachment commander and Saskatchewan RCMP chaplain, I had to tell Constable Patton’s wife the difficult news that he is not coming home.”
“I am heartbroken for her and her family.”
Patton, 26, was by himself when he responded to the call of the stolen truck, which Blackmore said “originated” from Manitoba around 8 a.m.
Patton, worked at the Indian Head detachment for the entirety of his six years and four months of service. He previously worked at Parliament Hill in 2015 before joining the RCMP.
“Patton’s family is also part of the RCMP family. They have lost a husband, son and brother,” Blackmore said. “No one should have to wake up and learn a family member died as a result of doing their job.”
According to the CKOM report, Patton was following the stolen truck and pulled the vehicle over before he was struck and killed. The truck was later located in a rural area northeast of Francis after it fled the scene.
With the help of local farmers, two people, a man and a woman, were taken into custody. Charges are expected later.
Blackmore thanked a member of the public who provided medical assistance to Patton while waiting for emergency services.
“A tragedy such as this shakes our entire RCMP family to its core coast to coast,” she said. “Today Const. Patton will not be coming home from doing his job protecting the public.”
The investigation is ongoing.