On Jan. 11, at approximately 5:45 p.m., Virden RCMP received a request for assistance with an Emergency Medical Services call to a residence in Sioux Valley Dakota Nation. RCMP advised Sioux Valley Dakota Nation First Nation Safety Officers (FNSOs), and they attended the call.
A patient was removed from the residence and taken to the ambulance to be transported for medical care. The care needed was not related to any injury received in the residence. When the patient was removed, a male in the home became very aggressive toward FNSOs. He exited the residence with an axe, yelling at the FNSOs. At this time, RCMP officers were en route.
The male then went back in the residence and exited again, this time with what appeared to be a firearm. He pointed the firearm at the FNSOs, who were in their vehicle. The ambulance was also still on scene and in the vicinity of where the firearm was being pointed. The FNSOs and the ambulance were able to back out of the yard and get to safety.
RCMP attended the residence and arrested the male. Cyril Elk, 45, was taken into custody and charged with Pointing a Firearm and Assault with a Weapon on a Peace Officer, as FNSOs carry peace officer status. Upon a search of the residence, two axes and a BB gun resembling a handgun were located. It was determined that the BB gun was the firearm pointed at FNSOs.
Elk has been remanded in custody.
“This is a very disturbing incident, and we take it very seriously,” said Sergeant Helen Goodman, Virden RCMP Detachment Commander. “Our First Nation Safety Officers and medical personnel are there to help the public. Someone was in medical need, and attention had to be diverted from that person in need in order for FNSOs and EMS to quickly exit a dangerous situation. This is unacceptable.”
