RCMP hat. MBC file photo.
The RCMP is releasing the name of a Deschambault Lake man accused of firing off shots in the community before a police-involved shooting that left a civilian injured on Aug. 20.
Among other things, 31-year-old Joshua Ratt is charged with pointing a firearm, careless use of a firearm, assault with a weapon and uttering threats.
The altercation took place on the reserve after calls about shots being fired on the reserve; during the response, an officer fired his weapon and a man was left with a gunshot wound. The RCMP has not released details on who fired the injury-causing shot nor who was injured, saying “as this aspect of the investigation is being investigated by Saskatoon Police Service, the RCMP is unable to comment further.” Ratt was arrested at a home in the community in connection with that incident. None of the charges against him relate to causing injury with a firearm.
The officer involved is currently assigned to administrative duties, and Saskatoon police are involved as external investigators due to RCMP protocol for serious incidents like this.
Ratt already made a court appearance last week and was set to appear in Deschambault Lake court today.