On Feb. 24, at approximately 5 p.m., officers from the Coaldale Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) detachment arrived at a residence on Highway Avenue in Picture Butte. The officers were assisting Alberta Health Services (AHS) by executing a mental health warrant. After an officer knocked on the door, the man came to the door, allegedly carrying a weapon. A confrontation occurred, during which an officer discharged his firearm and the man retreated into the residence.
Officers established a secure perimeter around the residence. The RCMP emergency response team (ERT) began negotiating with the man. After approximately nine hours of negotiations failed to persuade the man to leave the residence, ERT officers deployed gas into the residence. The man then left the residence and was taken into custody.
AHS tactical medics assessed the man, who had a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. Emergency Medical Services then attended and took the man to a hospital.
ASIRT’s investigation will examine the circumstances surrounding the use of force. No additional information will be released.
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 403-592-4306.
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.