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Update: Two people dead, Estevan police officer in stable condition following serious incidents

Three people, including a member of the Estevan Police Service, have suffered serious injuries in separate but connected incidents in Estevan on Wednesday.

UPDATE:

ESTEVAN - Two people are dead and a member of the Estevan Police Service is in stable condition following a pair of serious incidents in Estevan on Wednesday.

One person died following an incident in the 1200 block of Sixth Street and the other died due to an altercation with police at the EPS building.   

A social media post by a member of the family of the two people who died confirmed the identities. One person dead is Karie Guillas and the other is her son Justice Guillas. 

The Estevan Police Service provided a brief update Wednesday just before 4 p.m. regarding the incidents that occurred in the city, and provided some information on the officer's condition. 

"A member of the Estevan Police Service was involved in a serious incident at the Estevan Police Service station during the course of his duties," the EPS said in a news release posted to its website.

"The officer was transported to Regina via STARS [Air Ambulance] and his condition has been updated to stable."

The Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team has assumed command of the investigation into the incident and will provide further details when available. 

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Earlier in the day, the EPS said three people, including the officer, had suffered serious injuries in separate but connected incidents in Estevan on Wednesday morning. 

The Estevan Police Service reported Wednesday morning that its members were at the scene of what they called a "serious incident" in the 1200-block of Sixth Street. 

Officers were called to the location just prior to 7 a.m. Wednesday morning. The EPS said at the time that one individual was in custody and the EPS added there was no risk to public safety at the time. 

"That suspect was taken to the EPS station," said Police Chief Rich Lowen. "While being processed at the EPS station, the suspect was involved in an altercation with an officer, resulting in serious injuries to the officer and the suspect."

The incident occurred at about 9:30 a.m., Lowen said. Sirens could be heard in the community at that time as emergency crews rushed to the scene. 

Both the suspect and the officer were taken to St. Joseph's Hospital and were transported to Regina. The STARS Air Ambulance said at 10 a.m. it had been dispatched to a scene-call emergency in Estevan. 

Lowen didn't provide more information on the extent of the injuries suffered by the officer or the suspect. 

St. Joseph's Hospital posted a sign on its window, saying it was in lockdown on Wednesday morning and it was only accepting patients for emergencies. The lockdown ended in the early afternoon. 

As for the incident that occurred in the 1200-block of Sixth Street, Lowen said more information is coming, but he did say at the time another person suffered serious injuries. Lowen did not release any further details on the condition of the person, as the EPS has been reaching out to next of kin about the circumstances.  

A police car was stationed in front of the initial scene as of Wednesday afternoon. Yellow police tape was also visible.

Lowen said there are no suspects outstanding at this time, and there is no danger to public safety. 

The Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) has been notified, Lowen said, and will take control of the investigation. The RCMP Major Crimes Unit is also investigating.

The Weyburn Police Service has been providing assistance with police duties in Estevan on Wednesday. 

Tributes have been flowing in to the officer on social media. 

"It is a reminder how all protective services officers put their lives at risk every day to protect all of us. We owe them all a tremendous debt of gratitude," said Premier Scott Moe. "Our thoughts are with the officer as we hope for a full recovery."

"Our thoughts are with the Estevan Police Service as we pray for a speedy recovery for the member involved in a shooting this morning at Estevan Police HQ," the Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police said in a post on its X page. 

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the officer, their family, and the entire Estevan Police Service," the Weyburn Police Service said on social media. "Our members are providing assistance to Estevan Police Service and will continue to do during this time."

"Our thoughts and support go out to the entire Estevan Police Service and family of the injured officer," said Weyburn Mayor Marcel Roy. "As always, the Weyburn Police Service works closely with the Estevan Police Service and will provide the necessary support as they navigate this difficult situation.

"This is yet another grim reminder of the serious and troubling dangers police have to encounter to protect our great communities like Weyburn and Estevan. Together we must support and show our gratitude to those who serve and protect."

SASKTODAY.ca will have more details as they become available.

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