2 Prince Albert officers suspended amid investigation after baby boy’s death

Indigenous groups, as well as the mother of a slain baby boy, have been critical of the Prince Albert, Sask., police response to a domestic dispute that had fatal consequences.

Prince Albert Police chief Jonathan Bergen has suspended two officers from active duty as the investigation continues into police handling of a domestic dispute that claimed the life of a 13-month-old boy.

On Feb. 10, two officers responded to a home on the 200 block of 23rd Street West in Prince Albert, Sask. According to a police statement, the officers left the home with the mother of the boy.

The boy, identified as Tanner Brass, was found dead later that same day after police were called back to the home.

Prince Albert Police service has been under scrutiny from the public and the mother following the incident.

Indigenous leaders from the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nation (FSIN), Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC), and Thunderchild First Nation released a joint statement earlier this month calling the death preventable.

Leaders from the groups said Brass’s mother was fleeing from domestic violence and police ignored her fears and calls for help, and instead arrested her for intoxication.

They added systemic racism was a factor in Brass’s death.

Brass’s father has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with his son’s death and is scheduled to appear in court March 14.