On July 27 at 11:47 a.m., an individual in Lac La Biche called the RCMP for assistance. Three officers from the Lac La Biche RCMP responded to the residence a short time later and spoke with residents, who indicated the man they called about had left the residence prior to police arrival.
A short time later officers located the man, who had two knives, in a nearby field. Officers spoke to the man and told him to drop the knives. One officer used a conducted energy weapon on the man. A physical altercation occurred, and the man attacked the officer with a knife. A second officer then shot and struck the man.
The man was declared deceased on scene by EMS.
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 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.