On that day, at about 5:45 a.m., two officers observed a man holding a reciprocating saw underneath a vehicle in the west alley in the 10200 block of 152 Street NW. When they attempted to engage with the man, he dropped the saw, left the alley, and travelled between detached garages into the backyard of a residence in the 10200 block of 152 Street NW. A confrontation between officers and the man took place in the yard, during which it is believed that the man fired several shots at police, and an EPS member deployed a Conducted Energy Weapon (CEW). At some point, the man sustained a single gunshot wound. The officers provided first aid to the man and requested Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Upon arrival, EMS assumed care of the man and transported him to hospital, where he passed away a short time later.

Physical evidence obtained to date suggests that neither police officer discharged any firearm during the incident. A handgun was recovered on scene and was seized as an exhibit. Evidence gathered from the backyard and during the autopsy conducted on July 8 suggest that the man’s gunshot wound originated from this seized firearm. While ASIRT might normally release a photograph of weapons found at the scene of a critical incident, in this case, the seized firearm has been identified as potentially relevant to other open criminal investigations and, as such, is being withheld.

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.

ASIRT

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