May 31, 2013
Motor Vehicle Incident
Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management
On May 31, 2013, at approximately 7:40 pm, Conservation Officer Justin Knackstedt, 23 years, was killed by a motor vehicle while he helped the RCMP at a traffic incident on Highway 11 about 20 KM south of Saskatoon.
CO Justin Knackstedt, of the Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management (SERM), and his partner where on route to Blackstrap Provincial Park, when they stopped to assist the RCMP with traffic control at a two vehicle collision on Highway 11. While they were at the crash scene the RCMP received a report of a black SUV driving erratically and heading north towards the scene. Police say traffic was lined up along the highway when the SUV was observed in the line of vehicles. There was a brief conversation between the RCMP and the driver of the SUV when it sped off continuing north hitting Justin Knackstedt. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Further up the highway the SUV rolled in to a ditch where the driver was arrested. The driver faces multiple charges including dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death, criminal negligence causing death, impaired driving causing death and flight from a peace officer causing death.
Our condolences go out to CO Knackstedt’s family, friends and colleagues.