Friday Evening Shooter Had Large Amount Of Meth And Cash Police Say
By Robert Thomas
Moose Jaw Police Service (MJPS) have identified the individual who allegedly shot at police officers on Friday evening.
The alleged shooter is Jirard Saddleback, 32, of Calgary. He is wanted on a Canada-wide warrant out of Calgary for being unlawfully at large.
Saddleback is charged with attempted murder, possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking, possession of a prohibited firearm, possession of the proceeds of crime and several other firearm and weapon related offences.
MJPS is considering laying additional charges.
According to the MJPS police attended a residence on the 800 block of 4th Avenue NW on Friday evening to serve a search warrant after they learnt there allegedly were firearms in the home.
The Tactical Team was sent as backup.
The MJPS say Saddleback left the home, prior to serving the warrant, and fired a hand gun at police. Saddleback then fled resulting in an intensive search of the area. The MJPS’s Canine Unit were also involved in the search.
The shots were fired at police prior to the Tactical Team's arrival who were to serve as backup for serving the warrant.
As a result of that search Saddleback was discovered in the backyard of 300 Block Ross Street West address after three more shots were fired.
It is unknown why three additional shots were fired in the Ross Street West home's backyard.
The combined Moose Jaw Police Service and Regina Police Service Tactical Teams during the standoff. The photo was taken as our reporter was asked to evacuate at 10:26 pm - MJ Independent photo
No injuries were reported as a result from any of the shots fired.
The Tactical Team surrounded the residence and after a standoff were able to negotiate Saddleback's surrender.
At 10:24 p.m. an Emergency Alert was issued. The Alert warned residents of a dangerous person on the loose asking people not to approach the individual and report any sightings to 9-1-1.
MJ Independent was on-scene reporting and witnessed the standoff as well as the subsequent arrest.
Below is some of the video taken (at 10:08 pm Friday evening) at that standoff of the Tactical Team with weapons drawn. You can clearly hear some of the interaction between the police and Saddleback.
SEE RELATED: Tactical Team Arrest Suspect
On Saturday evening the MJPS released further details that Saddleback was allegedly in possession of 850 grams crystal methamphetamine plus a small amount of fentanyl. He is also alleged to have had $6,600 in cash.
The street value of the meth is estimated to be $85,000.
Saddleback is to appear in Moose Jaw court on Monday.
MJPS additionally arrested four other unnamed individuals - three males and a female - who were inside the 800 Block 4th Avenue NW home where the warrant was to be served and the initial shooting incident took place. Charges may be laid against those four individuals.
MJPS say the investigation is on-going and updates will be provided when available.