Multiple gunshots shattered a quiet Sunday evening in Melville, Sask. The violent altercation left two RCMP officers seriously injured and residents searching for answers. Richard Goebel, who lives just across the street from the scene on 8th Avenue West, said he heard the shots shortly after noticing a heated argument outside. “[The RCMP] went around the corner on the east side of the house and then all of a sudden bang, bang, bang, bang, bang,” he said. ”I heard the whistle after. So, I know it was a gunshot. It wasn’t a firework. It wasn’t a firecracker. It was a clear out a firearm.” Goebel recorded about eight short videos prior to police responding. The videos showed four people appearing to argue along a property line. None of the footage captured gunshots or injuries. “The man that lives there and the lady that lives there were arguing with a neighbor about a property line,” Goebel said. Another neighbour, Damian Goebel, said he and his family were enjoying the weekend at home on Sunday evening. His children were returning from a friend’s house when they heard the shots. “They were just walking home and they heard a boom-boom-boom, and they then stopped and looked because they were just coming up the back alley [behind their home] because they were at a friend’s place,” he said. “They ran and they came in the house and said, ‘There’s gunshots.’” At the time he thought his kids mistook the sounds for Father’s Day fireworks. He said he was indoors and unaware of any police presence across the street. When he stepped outside moments later, more shots were fired. “I came out and I stood in the back by the truck here, and there was another three shots fired,” he said. He then witnessed one of the officers being struck and falling to the ground. “I do physically know the one officer for sure was down, because I saw him crawling to the other side of the cruiser to take cover. I heard him yelling, ‘Help! I’ve been shot! I’ve been hit,’” he said, adding he did not see the second officer get injured. As a first responder with Melville Fire Protective Services, Goebel said he felt helpless watching from a distance. “I just felt really helpless with him. Like I could physically see him on the ground in pain,” he said. “I just ... it’s crazy for Melville.” Melville Mayor Joe Kirwan said the incident has left many residents shaken but emphasized this kind of event is not typical for the community. “Recognize that this isn’t a new normal for Melville,” he told CTV News Monday afternoon. “Be close to one another.” The City of Melville also issued a statement on social media, expressing support for the injured officers. “We are praying for your healing, your strength, and your safe recovery. We are grateful for your courage, your service, and the sacrifices you make for our community every day,” the statement reads. Kirwan said he hopes the community is rallying around the officers and their families as they recover. “It’s sad and shocking, and two families are really shaken because of the injuries of the two officers,” he said. He asked residents to continue to show their support in the days ahead. “Support them,” Kirwan said. “They’re going to need that.”
