Shot fired during a break-in in rural Saskatchewan

BATTLEFORD, Sask. — Mounties in Saskatchewan are investigating a breakin on a rural property where a gunshot was fired at a home.

RCMP said officers were dispatched to the property west of Battleford about 5 a.m. on Sunday.

“Initial investigation determined that an unidentified suspect has been observed breaking into an outbuilding,” Staff Sgt. Rob Embree said. “The same person is then believed to have discharged a firearm once at the residence, resulting in a broken window.” No one was hurt. Police dogs searched the property, but officers said they believe the suspect fled on foot to a waiting vehicle.

Concerns about rural property crime have been highlighted in recent weeks by the trial of a white farmer, who was acquitted of murder in the 2016 shooting death of a 22-year old Cree man.

A jury heard that Colten Boushie and some friends had been drinking before they broke into a truck on one farm, then headed to Gerald Stanley’s property to ask for help with a flat tire on their SUV. Stanley testified that he thought his ATV was being stolen.

He testified that after firing warning shots, his gun went off accidentally. Boushie was struck in the head as he sat in the passenger seat.

Since the not-guilty verdict, protests and rallies have been held across the country demanding changes to the justice system and to jury selection.