Saskatchewan’s attorney general has chosen not to press charges against an RCMP officer who fractured a female hospital patient’s arm during a forceful arrest over a year ago. Despite the Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) finding “reasonable grounds” for assault causing bodily harm by the officer, the Crown prosecutor declined to pursue charges.
The SIRT report, released on Wednesday and dated Sept. 3, revealed that the decision was based on a thorough examination of admissible evidence, available defenses, and the requirement for charges to be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The Ministry of Justice and Attorney General emphasized the need for a reasonable likelihood of conviction, which they concluded was lacking in this case.
The incident occurred at Melfort Hospital on July 2, 2025, when RCMP responded to a call regarding a woman with mental health issues who had left the facility against medical advice. A confrontation unfolded in the hospital parking lot, leading to a struggle between the woman, clad in a hospital gown, and the officer, resulting in a fractured right humerus for the woman.
The SIRT report detailed that the officer used excessive force, causing the woman’s arm to audibly break and visibly displace. The report was compiled based on police body cam footage, surveillance video, and witness interviews, highlighting the officer’s use of profanity and physical force beyond what was deemed reasonable for the situation.
The report acknowledged the differing standards between SIRT and the Crown in identifying potential offenses and pursuing charges. It recommended further review by the RCMP and the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission for the RCMP for possible disciplinary action in accordance with the Police Act and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Code of Conduct.