On that day at approximately 5 p.m., RCMP members conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the parking lot of the Home Hardware store in Blairmore. The vehicle was believed to be associated with an ongoing investigation in the Crowsnest Pass area. During the interaction that followed, a confrontation occurred between two members of the RCMP and the lone occupant of the truck. During that confrontation, both RCMP members discharged their service pistols.
Following the confrontation, the vehicle left the parking lot and travelled a short distance before coming to rest off the highway. When the vehicle came to rest, RCMP members determined that the occupant of the vehicle had sustained gunshot wounds. They provided first aid until the arrival of EMS, who pronounced the man dead on scene.
ASIRT’s investigation will focus on the actions of police during this incident, while the RCMP will maintain responsibility for the investigation that led to the traffic stop. ASIRT investigators are asking anyone who witnessed this incident or may have photos or video to call ASIRT at 403-592-4306.
As ASIRT’s investigation is underway, no further information will be released at this time.
ASIRT’s mandate is to effectively, independently, and objectively investigate incidents involving Alberta’s police that have resulted in serious injury or death to any person, as well as serious or sensitive allegations of police misconduct.
This release is distributed by the Government of Alberta on behalf of the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team.