Onion Lake man shoots himself during police encounter

One man has died after an incident with Onion Lake RCMP ended when he shot himself.

RCMP said an assault complaint filed last Saturday began an investigation that quickly led officers to a potential suspect.

On Monday RCMP found the suspect, a 43-year-old man, sitting in a vehicle holding a firearm.

A Wednesday RCMP media release states the man from Onion Lake Cree Nation was pronounced dead at the scene after he shot himself.

“While they (RCMP officers) were engaging with the individual, the suspect discharged his firearm and was injured by a self-inflicted gunshot wound,” the media release said. “The officers did not discharge their firearms during this incident.”

As per policy, the man’s death is being investigated by the RCMP and an observer assigned by the provincial government.