Patrol members of the Regina Police Service deployed a Conducted Energy Weapon (CEW), or Taser, in the apprehension of a male suspect last evening, August 8, 2022, in Regina. This advisory is issued as part of a commitment by the Regina Police Service to notify the public each time a CEW is discharged at a person.
At approximately 7:45 p.m., police were dispatched to the 1300 block of Rae Street for a report that a male had just shot at a house and was standing out front. When police arrived, the male was still on the street and fled on a bicycle. The male eventually abandoned the bicycle and fled on foot. Officers caught up with the male and deployed a CEW, which was effective in allowing police to take him into custody. The male had a loaded firearm in his backpack, along with ammunition, and other weapons.
Thirty year-old Michael Swan THORNE, of Regina, is charged with:
- Careless Use of a Firearm [CC 86(1)]
- Pointing a Firearm [CC 87]
- 2 x Possession of Weapon Dangerous to Public Peace [CC 88]
- Carry Concealed [CC 90]
- Possession of Firearm Knowing Possession is Unauthorized [CC 92(1)]
- Possess Prohibited Firearm with Ammunition [CC 95(a)]
- Reckless Discharge of a Firearm [CC 244.2 (1) (a)]
- 4 x Prohibited Possession Contrary to an Order [CC 117.01(1)]
- Robbery [CC 344(1)(b)]
THORNE will make his first court appearance on these charged in Provincial Court at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 9, 2022.
The deployment of the CEW/Taser is documented through reports and will be reviewed by a Use of Force Review Board, which is a panel within the Regina Police Service, made up of experienced officers. All uses of force are also reported to the Saskatchewan Police Commission.
