Saskatchewan police watchdog deployed to Onion Lake Cree Nation following death

(David Prisciak/CTV News)

The Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) was deployed to the Onion Lake Cree Nation following a reported death on Wednesday.

In a brief update on Thursday, SIRT reported the deployment was required after an individual was found dead after being in contact with Saskatchewan RCMP.

Around 8:20 a.m. on Wednesday, Onion Lake RCMP received a report that a woman was being forcibly confined in a residence by a man armed with a firearm on a rural property within the community, RCMP said Thursday evening.

Officers with Saskatchewan RCMP and the critical incident response team responded immediately and the woman was able to exit the residence.

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According to RCMP, officers negotiated with the man to try to get him to exit the home safely. Around 3:20 p.m., officers entered the home and found the man inside with injuries.

Officers provided medical assistance, but the man was later pronounced dead by EMS on scene. RCMP say his family has been notified.

Three firearms were recovered from the residence, but RCMP say there was no indication that officers discharged their firearms during the response.

As the incident occurred about four kilometres west of the Saskatchewan-Alberta border, the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team will be working with SIRT as part of the oversight process, RCMP said.

Saskatchewan RCMP alerted the public of an increased police presence in Onion Lake just after 10 a.m. on Wednesday.

Members of the public were asked to avoid areas where officers were present.