(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Crime

Man charged after violent altercation with staff and police at Prince Albert gas station

May 8, 2023 | 5:00 PM

A 20-year-old man is facing several charges, including assault of a peace officer and mischief, after a violent incident at a Prince Albert Esso station Saturday morning.

According to a statement from police, officers were called to the business for a report of a panic alarm. While en route, officers were notified that a male suspect had been locked inside the store.

When they arrived, police heard that two staff members engaged in a physical altercation with the male suspect inside the gas station. Officers entered the store and took the suspect into custody. During this time, one officer was assaulted.

“An initial review of our police response to this incident has determined that no further investigation is warranted. Any members of the public wishing to file a complaint are encouraged to contact the Saskatchewan Public Complaints Commission,” police said.

Russ Teer-LeBoeuf was arrested at the scene and is facing several charges, including assault, assault of a peace officer, resisting arrest, and mischief. He has been released from custody and is scheduled to make his next court appearance on May 16.

New hire

Mintos hire Dion Antisin as next head coach

11h ago

Vet Staffing

'It is a good step': $194M to vet school welcomed, but Sask. vets say staffing crisis persists

11h ago

on the land

Missinipe location of men's healing camp

12h ago

Speaking with store management, they informed paNOW that the intruder appeared high on drugs and in addition to assaulting store staff and police officers, also knocked down the protective shield that normally covers the front counter.

Following the incident, the suspect’s father made a post on social media and confirmed his son “squared up” with officers.

“I am wondering what the Prince Albert Police Service protocol is in that situation when a lone 20-year-old male wants to fight,” he said. “What are the PAPS supposed to do? Let the guy out of the store and beat the [expletive] out of him? Do they have protocol? What are the tasers for?”

The father goes on to explain his son’s injuries from the incident involved mostly bruises and scrapes and his bottom lip is about a half inch to the left (his right) of where the centre of his top lip is. A photo posted of the young man shows two black eyes.

“Of course, I only have half the story but regardless of the circumstances, I don’t believe he deserved the excessive force. I realize he allegedly assaulted the cashiers but the job of the police is to protect and serve, not protect some and brutalize some others,” the father wrote.

Indicating plans to lodge a complaint with the Government of Saskatchewan’s Public Complaints Commission, the father also said he plans to speak to a lawyer as well as the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN).

Another police complaint

The most recent complaint related to alleged police brutality comes just over a month after Boden Umpherville was tased multiple times by officers. He died in hospital three weeks later and family members have voiced their concerns publicly that police used excessive force.

The circumstances that led up to the incident in April, and whether any officers will face discipline, are part of an ongoing investigation by the Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team. There has been no timeline provided for how long the investigation will take.

—

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell