March 3, 2022
Waseca, Saskatchewan
In October 2021, the Battleford RCMP Gang Task Force began an investigation into drug and weapons trafficking in west-central Saskatchewan. This investigation led to the execution of three search warrants on February 26, 2022 – two in Lloydminster and one in Waseca.
Officers located and seized:
- nine firearms
- multiple prohibited weapons
- hundreds of rounds of ammunition
- hard body armour
- approximately four ounces of suspected cocaine
- approximately 4 ounces of suspected methamphetamine
- approximately 250 ml of GHB
- two stolen vehicles
As a result of the search warrants executed in Lloydminster, two individuals were arrested and charged.
Laquita Angus of Lloydminster is charged with:
- 1 count, possession for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine), Section 5(2), Criminal Code
- 3 counts, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, Section 88, Criminal Code
- 2 counts, unlicensed possession of a prohibited weapon, Section 91(2), Criminal Code
- 3 counts, fail to comply with undertaking, Section 145(4), Criminal Code
Laquita Angus will appear in court in Lloydminster on March 14.
Delaney Angus of Lloydminster is charged with:
- 1 count, resist arrest, Section 129(a), Criminal Code
- 1 count, obstruct peace officer, Section 129(a), Criminal Code
- 1 count, fail to comply with release order, Section 145(5), Criminal Code
Delaney Angus will appear in court in Lloydminster on March 3.
As a result of the search warrant executed in Waseca, three individuals were arrested. One male, Odell Angus was arrested on warrants from the Turtleford RCMP.
The Gang Task Force investigation is ongoing and no further information, including the name of the other two individuals arrested, can be provided at this time.
Through forensic investigation, Saskatoon Police Service has determined the injured Saskatchewan RCMP officer was struck in the head by a bullet. As previously mentioned, the officer was treated in hospital and their injuries are considered non-life-threatening. We cannot provide additional details or updates on their condition.
The police officer is a member of Saskatchewan RCMP's Police Dog Services and was, along with other members of the Critical Incident Response Team, assisting with the search warrant at the commercial property in Waseca.
Saskatchewan RCMP's thoughts continue to be with the family of the deceased male, as well as with our injured police officer as they recover.
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Backgrounder
Saskatchewan RCMP request independent investigation after police officer-involved shooting in Waseca
2022-02-28
In October 2021, the Battlefords RCMP Gang Task Force began an investigation into drug and weapons trafficking in west-central Saskatchewan. Preliminary investigation determined cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and firearms were being trafficked in and around North Battleford.
On February 26, 2022, a search warrant was executed in relation to this investigation at 11:45 p.m. at a commercial property in Waseca, SK.
Based on information obtained during the investigation, officers believed there was a significant risk to public and police safety. Therefore, the Saskatchewan RCMP Critical Incident Response Team deployed to assist with the search warrant.
During the execution of the search warrant in Waseca, officers determined there were four people in the commercial property. After negotiation and the use of non-lethal methods, 2 adult males and one adult female exited the building and were safely taken into custody.
The fourth individual remained in the building and was not complying with police officer commands. This individual, an adult male, exited the building and continued to not comply with police officer commands. Officers used non-lethal methods to get the man to comply. The man displayed a firearm. Gunfire was exchanged and the man was fatally injured.
The family of the deceased man, a 33-year-old male from the Lloydminster area, has been notified of his death.
One RCMP officer is in hospital with what is believed to be a non life-threatening injury received during this incident. No further information will be provided about the officer's injuries.
When an incident results in death or serious injury, the RCMP Act – the legislation that governs the RCMP – requires that an investigation be conducted by an external agency. The Saskatchewan RCMP has requested the Saskatoon Police Service conduct the independent, external investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death. The Saskatchewan RCMP has requested the Ministry of Justice appoint an independent investigation observer in accordance with Section 91.1 of the Saskatchewan Police Act.
"The Saskatchewan RCMP takes these matters very seriously. We are giving the external investigators at the Saskatoon Police Service our full cooperation as they conduct an independent, external investigation into the circumstances surrounding what happened," said Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore – Saskatchewan RCMP Commanding Officer. "My thoughts are with our injured officer, the community, and the family of the deceased."
There will be an increased police presence in Waseca.
As this matter is now the subject of an external investigation, no further information can be provided at this time.
The investigation into drug and weapons trafficking in and around North Battleford continues and updates will be provided as they become available.
