Chief Clive Weighill spoke to the media today to provide an update to the investigation into the death of a 21 year old man following incident in which a stolen vehicle evaded police and was involved in a single vehicle collision.

The following information was provided:

On October 23, 2016 at approximately 4:30 a.m. patrol officers attempted to stop a stolen vehicle at Avenue V and 17th Street. Officers had been told that firearms and ammunition were also stolen with the truck. The suspects inside refused to stop for police and evaded officers before colliding with a post and a fence in the 100 block of Bowlt Crescent. The 21 year old man, now identified as Jordan Bruce Lafond, was located underneath the rear of the truck. It was believed he was ejected from the vehicle at the point of collision. Officers on scene attempted to take him into custody and believed he was actively resisting. Physical force was used to handcuff him. Mr. Lafond was transported to Royal University Hospital where he passed away the following morning. The other suspect, a 20 year old man was arrested as he ran from the vehicle. Four firearms and ammunition were recovered from the truck.

Initial investigation shows that physical force was utilized by officers when apprehending the two men. Further into the investigation it was learned that while making the arrest of Mr. Lafond, an officer in the kneeling position, used his knee to subdue Mr. Lafond. In light of the information that physical force was used while affecting the arrest, the Saskatoon Police Service and the family of Mr. Lafond requested the Office of the Chief Coroner conduct an autopsy. The SPS is now at a point in the investigation where attempts are being made to determine if the physical force used by any police member may have been a contributing factor to Mr. Lafond’s injuries.

Chief Weighill has personally met with the family of Mr. Lafond, who were accompanied by the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Special Investigations Unit, to assure them that every investigative tool will be used to determine the circumstances of the event.

Oversight for the investigation is being provided by the Province of Saskatchewan. The SPS is working with the Office of the Chief Coroner and the investigation is ongoing.

Although at this point the force used by the police member is not known to have been a contributing factor, he has been reassigned to an administrative position.

Further information will be provided when it becomes available.

(Occurrence Number: 16-106803)