While investigating a homicide, Bonnyville Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officers went to a residence on Kehewin First Nation. The officers believed a suspect was inside, and began to contain the residence. The man then came out of the residence, holding a firearm. At approximately 10:30 p.m., a confrontation between the man and the officers occurred, during which two officers discharged their firearms. The man was struck multiple times.
Officers called Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and provided first aid before handing off care to EMS. EMS transported the man to a nearby hospital with serious injuries. He was later transported to an Edmonton area hospital by air ambulance. He remains in hospital in stable condition.
A firearm was located outside the residence near where the man had been.
ASIRT’s investigation will examine the circumstances surrounding the uses of force by officers. No additional information will be released. The RCMP will retain the investigation of the homicide.
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.