The Saskatchewan RCMP says officers used reasonable force during an arrest on Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation after a video circulating on social media showed an officer striking a woman during an arrest.
Police say officers responded around 5 a.m. Sunday to a report of a drug-impaired person in the community. While responding, officers located a man wanted on an outstanding warrant entering a residence. Two wanted men were arrested at the home without incident.
RCMP allege a 40-year-old woman became confrontational during the arrests and punched two officers. Police say she continued to resist after being told to stop moving and was arrested outside the residence. She was later assessed by EMS for what police described as minor injuries.
The woman, Rose Georgina Angus of Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation, is charged with two counts of assaulting a police officer, two counts of resisting a police officer, one count of obstructing a police officer and one count of possession of cocaine. Two men wanted on unrelated warrants were also arrested.
In response to media inquiries about the video, RCMP said supervisors reviewed body-worn camera footage and determined the force used by officers was reasonable under Section 25 of the Criminal Code. Because the injuries were considered non-serious, the incident was not referred to Saskatchewan’s Serious Incident Response Team.
In a statement, Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation Chief and Council said they are aware of the concerns raised by the video and will meet with Loon Lake RCMP Sgt. Keewatin to gather the facts and address community concerns.
The First Nation said the safety, dignity and respectful treatment of its members remain a priority, while also noting that a short video clip may not capture the full incident.
Leadership also acknowledged the removal of two individuals believed to be involved in gang activity from the community, saying public safety and professional policing must go hand in hand.