On June 4, at about 1:10 p.m., members of the Red Deer RCMP observed a vehicle displaying a licence plate that did not match the vehicle. Police attempted a traffic stop; however, the vehicle failed to stop and fled at a high rate of speed. Officers did not pursue the vehicle at that time, but later located the same vehicle and initiated a pursuit. The pursuit crossed into a park area, where the subject vehicle was observed driving on sidewalks and walking paths. After officers immobilized the vehicle with a spike belt, the driver, a 28-year-old man, attempted to flee on foot.

As the man attempted to flee, an unmarked RCMP SUV made contact with him, knocking him to the ground. The man quickly got to his feet, continued to flee from police, and jumped into the river. The man was removed from the river with assistance of a police service dog, and apprehended by RCMP officers. Once in custody, it was determined that the man had sustained serious injury to both legs.

ASIRT investigators are asking anyone who was in Michener Bend Park at the time of the incident and observed or recorded video of the events to contact investigators at 403-592-4306.

ASIRT’s investigation will examine the conduct of police during this incident, while the RCMP will maintain responsibility for the investigation into the man and his actions. With ASIRT’s investigation 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.

ASIRT

This release is distributed by the Government of Alberta on behalf of the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team.