Man injured in violent Sask. arrest to be removed from life support
A man injured in an incident involving Prince Albert police will soon be taken off life support, according to his family.
Boden Umpherville, 40, has been in hospital since April 1 after he was Tasered and pepper sprayed during an arrest where police also used collapsible batons.
Umpherville's family says he is now considered brain-dead.
"I just hope this will never happen to any mother, what I have to go through," Umpherville's mother Verna said while speaking at a Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) news conference held in Saskatoon on Friday.
According to the FSIN, doctors told his family that Umpherville's current state "was accelerated due to a 20-minute period where his heart stopped beating before being revived."
Verna said she believes the life-saving measures taken by police prior to the arrival of paramedics were insufficient.
Umpherville's arrest is currently under investigation by the province's Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT). It is the new police oversight body's second investigation.
The violent arrest occurred after police spotted a black Dodge Avenger that had been reported stolen by its owner, according to a Prince Albert Police Service (PAPS) news release.
When it was stopped a little before 2:30 a.m., Umpherville was found driving the car with two passengers inside, one of whom was the registered owner, according to police. However, the FSIN says the owner claims she never reported the car stolen.
According to an April 4 Ministry of Justice news release, a loaded handgun was later found at the scene by SIRT investigators.
A bystander video submitted to CTV News shows the arrest. Six officers can be seen surrounding the vehicle.
The sound of tasers can be heard and police can be seen using collapsible batons, at one point the car speeds forward briefly before coming to a stop.
The full video can be viewed using the player above.
The FSIN says it is in possession of three videos showing the incident.
"My brother never deserved any of this. No human being deserves what my brother went through," his brother Darry said during Friday morning's news conference.
"(I'm) just disgusted with the police force for what they did to my brother," Darry said.
"They Tased him and they beat him."
In a statement to CTV News, a spokesperson said PAPS is unable to answer questions regarding the incident while the SIRT investigation is still ongoing.
"All officers involved remain assigned to regular duties with our police service while the matter is investigated by the Serious Incident Response Team," the statement said.
"Members were given time to participate in the ongoing SIRT investigation and to access both our peer-led re-integration program and in-house wellness strategy. These programs are available to all members based on their individual needs as they return to regular duty."
Boden's family expressed frustration that the officers involved in the incident are back on the job.
"I don't understand, why are they still working," Verna said.
"I don't understand why their badges weren't taken from them they should not be working right now," she said.
"Last year, the FSIN officially expressed our concerns with the Prince Albert police service," FSIN vice chief Dutch Lerat said.
"Within these videos, one can observe a gang-like mentality displayed by the officers swarming Mr. Umpherville. Clearly not afraid for their safety as was suggested," Lerat said.
The only other SIRT investigation currently underway, also involves Prince Albert police. It is examining a deadly encounter which occured in January.
The police service also came under scrutiny last year following the death of a 13-month-old child, that the FSIN and others believe could have been prevented by police.
Last fall, the Saskatchewan government has appointed a former Edmonton police chief to conduct an outside review of the the police service.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Wildfire smoke from Canada disrupts New York, Philadelphia flights
Some flights into the New York City area on Wednesday were delayed and some briefly halted because of reduced visibility from wildfire smoke from Canada.
Trudeau shows no interest in compromising with Meta, Google over online news bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is showing no interest in compromising with Meta and Google over a Liberal bill that would make them pay for Canadian journalism that helps the companies generate revenue.
WATCH
WATCH | Rate hike 'may be the last straw' for some homeowners: mortgage broker
With the latest hike bringing Canada's key interest rates to levels not seen since 2001, one mortgage broker is warning that it may be 'the last straw' for some homeowners with variable mortgages.
opinion
opinion | Eight takeaways from Prince Harry's seven hours on the witness stand
It's been a busy, tumultuous few days for Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex as he took his place on the witness stand in his trial against the Mirror Group Newspapers. Here are royal commentator Afua Hagan's top takeaways from his two-day grilling.
Bank of Canada ends pause on hikes, raises policy rate by 25 basis points
The Bank of Canada raised its overnight rate by 25 basis points to 4.75 per cent on Wednesday, its first increase since pausing hikes in January.
Wrestling icon The Iron Sheik dead at 81
World Wrestling Entertainment legend The Iron Sheik has died. He was 81.
Have rising home prices driven you to leave Canada? We want to hear from you
The Bank of Canada's latest decision to raise its key interest rate comes at a time when many are struggling to afford their homes. CTVNews.ca wants to hear from people in Canada who are going to great lengths to find affordable housing.
Wildfire smoke blankets Ontario, Quebec, air quality plummets, affects activities
Poor air quality is forecast to persist into the weekend across parts of Ontario, as plumes of wildfire smoke blanket the province and prompt school boards to limit outdoor activities.
Feds looking at options for a national disaster response agency as wildfires rage
The federal government is studying options for creating a new national disaster response agency.
Regina
-
Regina homeless encampment bulldozed after calls from property owner
The dwellings of around a dozen Regina residents experiencing homelessness were bulldozed after calls from the property owner.
-
As temperatures soar, Regina parents keep kids home from schools with no air conditioning
With no air conditioning available at their kids' schools, some Regina parents are opting to keep their children home as temperatures rise.
-
Sask. premier has highest approval rating in Canada, according to poll
At 57 per cent, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe has the highest approval rating in Canada, according to a poll from Angus Reid Institute released on Wednesday.
Winnipeg
-
Crash with stolen vehicle sends two Winnipeg officers to hospital
A section of Main Street is closed on Wednesday morning following a car crash in the area.
-
Rossbrook House workers receive Order of Canada
Two women who spent four decades helping youth in Winnipeg have received Canada’s highest civilian honour.
-
Downtown Winnipeg building could become new hotel
Big changes could be coming to a large, empty building on Broadway in Winnipeg.
Calgary
-
Calgary mass killer Matthew de Grood seeks 'absolute discharge'
The man who was found not criminally responsible in the stabbing deaths of five people at a house party in Brentwood more than nine years ago is seeking more freedoms.
-
Smith to unveil new-look Alberta cabinet Friday after 6 ministers lose seats
Re-elected Premier Danielle Smith will announce her new cabinet and take questions from reporters on Friday, nearly two weeks after winning Alberta's election.
-
Bail hearing to continue for Alberta man accused of sexually assaulting five women
A bail hearing for a man accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting women in Calgary will continue later this month.
Edmonton
-
Smith to unveil new-look Alberta cabinet Friday after 6 ministers lose seats
Re-elected Premier Danielle Smith will announce her new cabinet and take questions from reporters on Friday, nearly two weeks after winning Alberta's election.
-
Calgary mass killer Matthew de Grood seeks 'absolute discharge'
The man who was found not criminally responsible in the stabbing deaths of five people at a house party in Brentwood more than nine years ago is seeking more freedoms.
-
Hit-and-run leaves pedestrian seriously injured: Edmonton police
A pedestrian was seriously injured in a hit-and-run in northeast Edmonton Tuesday night.
Toronto
-
Toronto air quality reaches 'high risk' level due to Ontario, Quebec wildfire smoke
The air quality in Toronto has become so polluted due to forest fires in Quebec and Ontario that strenuous outdoor activities could leave you coughing and with an itchy throat.
-
Indigo founder Heather Reisman retires, almost half of board steps down
Indigo founder Heather Reisman announced she is retiring as almost half of the book retailer's board of directors steps down.
-
BREAKING
BREAKING | One person dead following fire in Toronto's west end
One person is dead following a smoky fire at a commercial building in Toronto’s west end, says Toronto fire.
Ottawa
-
Special Air Quality Statement
Special Air Quality Statement | Wildfire smoke blankets Ottawa for a third day
Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement for Ottawa, with the air quality at 10+ "very high risk" at 8;30 a.m.
-
Plug-in air purifier blamed for row house fire in Craig Henry area
The Ottawa Fire Service says a plug-in air purifier is to blame for a fire on Craig Henry Drive Tuesday.
-
Evacuation order extended 48 hours as Centennial Lake fire continues to burn
An evacuation order at Centennial Lake, 150 km west of Ottawa, has been extended for another 48 hours as crews continue to battle the wildfire.
Vancouver
-
WATCH LIVE
WATCH LIVE | Health minister to give update on Surrey hospital crisis
Health minister Adrian Dix is scheduled to make an announcement about health care in Surrey Wednesday afternoon.
-
Vancouver bans BBQs in parks, on beaches due to fire danger
Barbecues are being banned on all of Vancouver's beaches and in all city parks due to the extreme risk of wildfires.
-
Cold records set in 2 B.C. regions as temperatures rise across the South Coast
As the weather heats up across B.C.’s Lower Mainland this week, other areas of the province are setting records for cool temperatures.
Montreal
-
Over 20 municipalities take Quebec to court over French-language law
The coalition of 23 Quebec municipalities are challenging the French-language law (Bill 96) on the following points: contracts and communication, the obligation to adopt resolution to maintain bilingual status, illegal searches and seizures, government grants and the obligation to discipline employees.
-
BREAKING
BREAKING | Man arrested, facing murder charge in the killing of Claudia Iacono
Police have made an arrest in the killing of Claudia Iacono, the daughter-in-law of Mafia associate Moreno Gallo, after she was gunned down at the wheel of her car in Montreal last month.
-
Pedestrian 'severely injured' after being struck by vehicle in Cote-des-Neiges
Emergency services are on the scene in Montreal's Cote-des-Neiges neighborhood where a pedestrian was hit by a vehicle and is in critical condition.
Vancouver Island
-
Extended highway closure expected due to wildfire near Port Alberni
There's no end in sight for the closure of Highway 4 on Vancouver Island – the only highway leading to the communities of Port Alberni, Tofino and Ucluelet – due to a wildfire burning in the area.
-
Speed and alcohol likely factors in fatal Nanaimo crash
A 33-year-old man from Nanaimo is dead after a single-vehicle crash south of the city Tuesday.
-
Missing Vancouver Island man found dead: RCMP
A 39-year-old man who was reported missing from Lake Cowichan has been found dead. Mounties say the body of Matthew Mueller was discovered on Tuesday.
Atlantic
-
Shelburne volunteer fire chief says wildfire efforts have 'been a fight'
The chief of the Shelburne Volunteer Fire Department says the blaze near Barrington Lake, which is now classified as “held,” is unlike anything he’s ever seen.
-
IN PHOTOS: Damage, destruction left behind by Halifax-area wildfire
Halifax media outlets were given a tour of the neighbourhoods hardest hit by the Tantallon wildfire Tuesday afternoon and saw firsthand the damage and destruction left behind.
-
Irving Oil weighing its options, including the possible sale of its assets
Irving Oil says it’s undertaking a “strategic review” with an eye to its future. In a release Wednesday, the company says it’s looking at a number of options, including the sale of its assets.
Northern Ontario
-
Wildfire west of Sudbury prompts evacuation order, total active fires in northern Ont. grows to 54
A northern Ontario forest fire that started west of Sudbury on Sunday morning has grown to more than 1,000 hectares and has prompted officials to issue an evacuation order for the immediate area as the number of active fires in the region grows.
-
Two winning tickets sold for Tuesday's $70 million Lotto Max jackpot
Two lucky lottery ticket holders in British Columbia and Ontario will split the $70 million Lotto Max jackpot.
-
‘Incompetent’ northern Ont. doctor loses his license to practise medicine
A northern Ontario doctor has been stripped of his medical licence for conduct described as “disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional.”
London
-
VIDEO
VIDEO | 'Hate and discrimination have no place in any TVDSB schools': Investigation underway after pride flag torn down
Students at Sir Frederick Banting Secondary School in London, Ont. are being investigated after a video was posted online showing students tearing down a LGBTQ2S+ pride flag.
-
Lifejacket credited with saving life of wayward swimmer in Lake Huron
A lifejacket and a swift response by the community are credited with saving the life of a swimmer who had drifted from shore near Grand Bend last weekend.
-
'This isn’t a campfire': Londoners urged to take caution amidst smoky air
Smoke from wildfires in Quebec and Northern Ontario is finding its way into the region. While the London, Ont. area has escaped the extreme haze seen over parts of Eastern Ontario, a special air quality advisory is in effect — anyone looking up Tuesday evening could see why.