Saskatchewan RCMP say two officers stable after shooting in Melville, suspect charged

A man is facing 11 charges, including attempted murder, following a shooting in Melville, Sask. that left two RCMP officers with serious injuries.

In an update issued Monday evening, Saskatchewan RCMP announced that 55-year-old Markus Dodge has been charged with two counts of attempted murder, two counts of aggravated assault, two counts of discharging a firearm with intent, two counts of pointing a firearm and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm.

These charges are related to both the shooting on Sunday night and an earlier incident that officers were responding to when the alleged shooting happened, according to RCMP.

The two officers were shot when they were approaching the home of the incident, landing both of them in the hospital.

As of Monday evening, RCMP said they were in stable condition, however their injuries are serious and “potentially life-altering in nature.”

“We appreciate the support that has been expressed for them, and know that many are interested in more details about them and the nature of their injuries. We want to be mindful of their privacy during this difficult time,” the service added.

The 55-year-old faces additional charges for assault with a weapon and uttering threats. RCMP did note a firearm was recovered from the home where the shooting took place.

Dodge is scheduled to appear in Yorkton Provincial Court on June 23 at 9:30 a.m.

‘Life changing’

Speaking to reporters Monday morning, Chief Supt. Murray Chamberlin, criminal operations officer for the Saskatchewan RCMP, said the incident is representative of the potential danger every law enforcement officer faces daily.

“This incident is a stark reminder of the danger police officers face every day,” Chamberlin said. “What started off as a report of an assault, something we attend to routinely, ended as a potentially life-changing call for two of our officers.”

At around 9:35 p.m. on Sunday, Melville RCMP responded to the report of an assault at a home on 8th Avenue West.

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As officers approached the home, a gun was fired and the pair were hit. Chamberlin said he does not believe the officers returned fire.

The two Mounties were transported to a hospital in Regina with injuries described as serious in nature.

The armed suspect remained inside the home following the shooting.

A plethora of officers responded including members of surrounding RCMP detachments, various units under the Saskatchewan RCMP’s Critical Response Team, the provincial government’s protection and response team in addition to SWAT officers from Regina.

A dangerous persons alert was not issued, as the suspect was contained in the home.

“We were confident that the suspect was contained in the residence, and therefore there was no elevated risk to public safety,” Chamberlin explained.

At around 2 a.m., the suspect and another person exited the home. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody. The other person was detained but later released and cleared of any involvement.

Saskatchewan RCMP’s Serious Crimes Unit (SCU) is investigating the shooting.

As the investigation continues, Chamberlin said the service will review the incident to see if any measures could have been taken to improve officer safety.

“On any serious incident, we do an internal review, we look at the actions of our members, our policies, is there ways we can do things better,” he added.

“Unfortunately, our job comes with inherent risks, and this is a reminder of that.”

Premier Scott Moe took to social media Monday to share support for those affected by the shooting.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the two seriously injured RCMP officers, their families, friends, colleagues, and the entire Melville community,” his post read.

“On behalf of the people of Saskatchewan, we are hoping for their full and speedy recovery and stand with all those affected by this senseless act of violence.”

The City of Melville also offered words of condolence in an afternoon social media post.

“Two of our RCMP officers were injured while serving and protecting us, and our thoughts are with them, their families, their fellow officers, and everyone affected by this tragedy,” the post read.

“We may not be able to take away the pain or uncertainty, but we can stand together and remind them that they are not facing this alone.

“Melville is behind you. We are praying for your healing, your strength, and your safe recovery. We are grateful for your courage, your service, and the sacrifices you make for our community every day.”

Melville, a community of just under 4,500 residents, is located about 150 kilometres northeast of Regina.