Home / Crime and Justice / Estevan Inquest: Officer Weapon Stolen, Fatal Shooting
Estevan Inquest: Officer Weapon Stolen, Fatal Shooting
2 Nov
Summary
- Teen stole officer's weapon during booking process.
- Two shots fired; one hit officer, one hit wall.
- New holster policy implemented after the incident.
An inquest commenced on Monday in Estevan to examine the fatal shooting of Justice Guillas, 19, who died in police custody in November 2023. Guillas was arrested in connection with his mother's death. While being processed by the Estevan Police Service, he rushed an officer, disarmed him, and fired two shots. One bullet struck Sgt. Braden Lonsberry in the abdomen, while the other hit a wall. A second officer responded by shooting Guillas twice. Both Guillas and Sgt. Lonsberry were hospitalized. Sgt. Lonsberry recovered, but Guillas died during surgery. An autopsy revealed Guillas had intoxicant levels of methamphetamine and cocaine in his system at the time of his death. Following this incident, the Estevan Police Service enacted a new policy requiring level three holsters for officers interacting with detainees. The inquest, scheduled to run from November 2 to November 6, aims to determine the medical cause and manner of Guillas's death and may issue recommendations to prevent future fatalities. The proceedings are presided over by Coroner Brent Gough.
