The public inquest into the death of Trent Angus is taking place at the Dekker Centre in North Battleford. (File photo/ battlefordsNOW)

By Kenneth Cheung

INQUEST

Testimony begins at inquest for Sask. man killed in shootout with RCMP

Feb 10, 2025 | 8:36 PM

The public inquest into Trent Angus’ death began Monday with testimony from RCMP Sergeant Toby Martin who detailed the tactical operation involved in the high-risk raid on Feb. 26, 2022 that ultimately led to Angus’ death.

Martin, who at the time of the incident was the Sergeant responsible for the Emergency Response Team (ERT), said they executed a search warrant at a Quonset in Waseca, suspecting Angus of running a drug and firearms trafficking network. During the operation, he was killed in an armed confrontation with the police.

“Trent Angus was not one to fly under the radar,” Martin noted, describing how Angus was suspected of carrying firearms, wearing body armour, and threatened to shoot law enforcement officers if confronted.

He said their investigation of Angus had determined he made multiple trips between Edmonton and Waseca to transport illegal drugs and firearms for distribution in the North Battleford region.

Trent Angus (Submitted/RCMP SK Media)

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The operation involved deploying tactical teams, including negotiators and specialists for high-risk situations, that approached the structure with armoured vehicles.

Martin said they approached the building from multiple sides to ensure containment and control. One unit was tasked with breaching the primary door while others introduced CS gas through windows and side entrances to force those inside to surrender.

CS gas is a non-lethal chemical agent designed to compel suspects to surrender without resorting to gunfire. Martin noted that was the operation’s objective.

Despite repeated commands over loudspeakers and negotiators urging the occupants to exit with their hands visible, there was no immediate response.

As per camera footage shown during the inquest, three individuals eventually came out but didn’t follow instructions. That led to officers to approach the building, which gave Angus a chance to shoot at them through the wall. An officer was struck in the head, but the injury was not life-threatening.

Following the shot, Angus then exited the building and refused to comply with police commands. Officers shot a 40 mm less-lethal foam projectile that struck Angus, but Martin said he continued to resist.

Angus then pulled out a 9 mm handgun and fired at officers who then fired back. A ERT member shot Angus, causing a fatal injury. He was declared deceased at the scene.

Once the situation stabilized and officers managed to breach the structure, Martin recalled discovering Angus lying face down with a fatal gunshot wound. He had a firearm resting beneath him.

The inquest heard that Angus’s actions during the standoff and the tactical response will be further examined as more witnesses testify in the coming days. The inquest is expected to be completed by Feb.14.

The coroner overseeing the inquest, William Davern, emphasized that its purpose is not to assign blame but to determine whether lessons could be learned to prevent future incidents of this nature.

Davern, inquest council Blaine Beaven, representatives of Department of Justice Canada Amanda Neudorf and Emily Arthur, selected six residents from the general public as the jury, three of whom are self-identified as Indigenous.

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com