This release was issued under a previous government.

On the afternoon of December 11, 2012, EPS received a 911 call from an employee at the Canadian Western Bank in South Edmonton Common. The caller stated an armed bank robbery was in progress, with a male inside the bank in possession of a gun. Uniformed police officers responded, and two officers entered the bank. Within seconds, they engaged a male armed with a handgun. He was told to put down the weapon and refused. Both officers then fired their guns, striking the 24-year old male multiple times. Police and paramedics immediately provided first aid and transported him to hospital. The male died the following day as a result of gunshot injuries.

The Alberta Director of Law Enforcement immediately assigned ASIRT to investigate the conduct of the EPS officers involved in the shooting. ASIRT’s mandated role was to conduct an independent investigation to determine whether the actions of the two subject officers were both lawful and justified.

During the course of the eight month investigation, numerous civilian witnesses were interviewed and bank surveillance camera video was reviewed. Once the investigation was complete, the full file was provided to ASIRT Executive Director Clifton Purvis for decision.

“After having considered the complete investigative report, I am satisfied that both subject officers were justified in firing their police service weapons in all of the circumstances,” said Mr. Purvis. “I have concluded that there was no criminal offence committed by the officers and they were justified in using lethal force. On behalf of ASIRT, I offer my sincere condolences to the family and friends of the affected person.”

Media inquiries may be directed to:
Sarah Jackson
Alberta Serious Incident Response Team
780-819-1298
[email protected]
@ASIRT_AB

To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.