On Sept. 20, at approximately 12:44 a.m., Edmonton Police Service (EPS) received multiple calls about a man acting erratically and who was possibly impaired. Callers reported the man was swinging an ice chipper at the ground and at a passing vehicle.
Shortly before 12:59 a.m., officers arrived on scene and spoke to the man from a distance. The man complied with direction from officers by dropping the items in his hands and laying on the ground. Once restrained by officers, the man went into medical distress. Officers began first aid and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrived on scene at 1:08 a.m. EMS took the man to hospital, where he died on Oct. 2.
ASIRT’s investigation will examine 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 encounter 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.