SASKATOON – After stopping to assist RCMP at the scene of a two vehicle crash on Highway 11, 23-year-old Justin Knackstedt was struck by an alleged drunk driver and died on Friday.
“These are difficult times for all police officers and peace officers. The loss of a 23-year-old officer affects us all,” said Stewart Kingdon, RCMP central district operation officer, inspector.
Knackstedt, who recently transferred from Cypress Hills, had just three years of service with the Ministry of Environment, but was described by colleagues as a valuable member of their team.
The conservation officer had stopped to direct traffic and help emergency services near a collision when he was struck by an SUV.
Mounties attempted to stop the suspect vehicle which rolled in a ditch by a overpass on the south end of Saskatoon.
The driver, Blaine Thomas Taypotat, was then arrested.
At a news conference held Saturday evening, charges were announced against 35-year-old Blaine Thomas Taypotat of Saskatoon.
Charges include dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death, criminal negligence causing death, flight from a peace officer causing death, failing to comply with a condition of an undertaking given to a peace officer and impaired driving causing death.
He is set to appear in Saskatoon provincial court on Monday morning.
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