At approximately 9 a.m., an RCMP officer from Wood Buffalo detachment located a vehicle at Confederation Way and the Highway 63 exit, which was suspected of being involved in a recent hit-and-run collision. Shortly after the collision, police determined the vehicle was stolen, and that information was disseminated to the RCMP by an officer at the collision scene.
The vehicle was stuck in deep snow, down a sloped embankment off the side of Highway 63. The officer approached the vehicle on foot and an altercation with the driver occurred, resulting in the officer discharging his service pistol. An ambulance took the driver of the vehicle to the hospital with a gunshot injury to the lower leg. Police recovered a black handgun from the involved vehicle when they pulled out the driver. It was later determined to be a CO2-powered Glock replica air pistol.
CO2-powered Glock replica air pistol found at the scene.
ASIRT’s investigation will examine the officer’s use of force. No additional information will be released at this time.
As part of its ongoing investigation, ASIRT is continuing efforts to identify people who may have witnessed aspects of the confrontation between the man and police. ASIRT is asking anyone who may have been in the area and may have witnessed these events and/or may have video to contact investigators at 780-644-1483.
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.