RCMP suspends Mountie for misleading testimony at shooting inquest

The RCMP has suspended a Mountie involved in a fatal shooting in Vanderhoof, B.C., four years ago.

The force alleges Const. Ryan Sheremetta gave misleading testimony at an inquest into the 2004 death of Kevin St. Arnaud, who was shot after a drug store burglary.

St. Arnaud was shot three times and died on a snowy soccer field

At the inquest into St. Arnaud's death, Sheremetta's testimony about what happened on the night he died was contradicted by forensic evidence and testimony from his police partner.

Assistant Commissioner Al Macintyre says before being suspended with pay, Sheremetta was stationed at the Kamloops detachment on administrative duties.

He says the chief coroner will have to decide if the inquest was to be reopened.

The issue, which is also under criminal investigation, has been referred to the Toronto police for an independent review.

St. Arnaud's mother, Delores Young, called the suspension-with-pay decision a "step forward.''

"Even though it comes after the fact, it's a good step,'' she said.

The RCMP says Sheremetta's testimony "misled" the inquest about seizing handguns from suspects in Vanderhoof.