An investigation by the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) into a fatal RCMP officer-involved shooting on the O’Chiese First Nation three years ago has determined no reasonable grounds to believe an offence was committed.
The ASIRT report determined that on April 3, 2021, the subject officer responded to a complaint on O’Chiese First Nation. Once there, he encountered the suspect who had outstanding warrants for his arrest. The investigation found that the suspect retreated into his residence and the subject officer waited outside while applying for a warrant to enter. The report determined that the suspect then suddenly exited and walked toward the officer with an axe in his hands. The report found that the officer told the suspect to drop it, but the suspect continued. Once the suspect was close to the officer and still holding the weapon, the officer fired six times, killing the suspect.
The report further concludes that when the angry suspect approached the officer carrying an axe, he was clearly threatening the officer, so like any other person, was entitled to defend himself.
The ASIRT investigation notes that the officer’s use of force was reasonable, as he was waiting at his vehicle when the suspect decided to engage with him. The report found that the officer did not take any steps to initiate the encounter beyond his basic duties as a police officer. He gave reasonable warnings to the suspect and only fired when the suspect was at a distance that posed a serious risk to him.
ASIRT says its investigation was comprehensive and thorough, conducted using current investigative protocols, and in accordance with the principles of major case management. Officials say this incident was caught on video from the residence and the subject officer’s police vehicle. ASIRT investigators seized and reviewed this video, and other police vehicle video that did not have any useful footage.
ASIRT investigators also reviewed all police and 911 communications related to the incident. ASIRT investigators interviewed three civilian witnesses, four police officers, and two paramedics.
ASIRT also engaged an Elder in a community oversight role as an integral part of this investigation.
You can view the full report here.
ASIRT says it’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.
Comments