Off‑duty RCMP officer fires shot through Oxbow, Sask., home

It was supposed to be a typical summer night in the small town of Oxbow, Saskatchewan – the kind of quiet where crickets chirp and neighbours wave from their porches. Instead, a sudden report of gunfire shattered that calm.

According to the homeowners, an off‑duty Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer, who was supposedly off the clock, entered their property and, for reasons still unclear, fired a single shot that ripped through a wall of their living room. The bullet lodged itself in a piece of furniture, leaving a visible scar on the home and an indelible mark on the couple’s sense of security.

"We were just sitting on the couch watching TV when we heard a loud bang," the husband recounted, voice trembling. "At first we thought it was a car backfiring, but then we saw the hole in the wall and the smoke…" He paused, shaking his head. "It was terrifying. We never imagined a police officer could do something like that, especially not while off‑duty."

The officer involved has not been publicly identified, and the RCMP has declined to comment on any internal disciplinary measures. Sources close to the investigation hint that an internal review is underway, but details remain scarce. The lack of official word has left the community buzzing with speculation.

Meanwhile, the couple has decided to relocate. "We can’t stay here any longer," the wife said, eyes welling up. "Every creak in the house now feels like a reminder of that night. Moving is the only way we can feel safe again." Their decision underscores a deeper worry – that off‑duty misconduct, if left unchecked, can erode trust in law‑enforcement institutions.

Local authorities say they are treating the incident as a criminal matter, not merely a breach of departmental policy. The RCMP's Professional Standards Branch is reportedly gathering statements, forensic evidence, and any possible motive behind the officer’s actions.

Neighbors have expressed mixed feelings. Some recall the officer as a “friendly face” during community events, while others admit they were shocked when the news broke. "We’ve always felt protected by the Mounties," one resident noted, "but this incident makes you wonder about the safeguards we have in place for off‑duty officers."

Legal experts suggest that if the officer is found guilty of unlawful discharge of a firearm, penalties could range from suspension to criminal charges, depending on the outcome of the investigation. The couple, meanwhile, is exploring their options for compensation and potential legal action against the police service.

As Oxbow’s residents await official updates, the story serves as a stark reminder that even those sworn to protect can falter. The hope is that a thorough, transparent process will bring closure to the family and restore confidence in the badge.