RCMP, family thank public for help and support in investigation of Cst. Patton’s death

WINNIPEG (CityNews) – A 26-year-old RCMP officer was killed in the line of duty over the weekend, after he was struck by a stolen pick up truck.

RCMP say Constable Shelby Patton initiated a traffic stop on the truck in the community of Wolseley, Saskatchewan.

During the course of the stop, while outside his police vehicle, Patton was hit and killed by the truck which fled the scene.

“Today Constable Patton will not be coming home from doing his job of protecting the public,” said RCMP Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore, on June 12.

Police, with the help of witnesses in the area, along with a RCMP K-9 unit, were able to locate, charge and arrest 41-year-old, Alphonse Stanley Traverse, and 41-year-old Marlene Velma Louise Pagee, both from Winnipeg.

Both are facing numerous charges including manslaughter, failure to stop after an accident resulting in death, theft of a motor vehicle, and possession of stolen property over $5,000.

Monday, both made their first appearance in a Regina Court.

“Constable Patton’s family is also part of the RCMP family they have lost a husband, son, and a brother,” stated Blackmore, on June 12.

Patton’s family and friends took to social media sharing memories of him in open posts. Condolences for the fallen officer coming in from around the world.

Patton’s family members tell CityNews they will give a formal statement through the RCMP, but nothing else to add at this time.

“We have received an outpouring of support and condolence messages in person, in writing and on social media from across Canada and beyond,” Blackmore wrote in a statement on June 14. “These messages help us through this difficult time. I would like to thank everyone who took the time to let us know they share our grief. Our thoughts remain with the family, friends, colleagues and community of Constable Patton.”

Meanwhile, RCMP say a fraudulent go-fund-me page has been created in the name of Constable Patton since his death and is warning the public to not give money to a fake account in the name of Sam Joseph.

RCMP investigators say the public’s help was critical in arresting the suspects and would like to speak to anyone in the community of Wolesey who may have seen a white Ford F250 pick up truck.

Police add the investigation is still ongoing.