The independent police watchdog, the Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes (BEI), has launched an investigation into a shooting that occurred in Salluit, Quebec, resulting in one fatality and one injury.
According to the BEI, the incident took place on December 28th, 2021, when officers from the Kativik Regional Police Force (KRPF) responded to a call about a man who was allegedly armed and behaving erratically. Upon arrival, the officers encountered the man, and a confrontation ensued, resulting in the use of lethal force.
The man, whose identity has not been released, was pronounced dead at the scene. Another individual, who was present during the incident, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The BEI has assigned a team of investigators to gather evidence and conduct interviews with witnesses and involved officers. They will also review any available video footage and forensic evidence to determine the sequence of events leading up to the shooting.
The BEI is responsible for investigating all incidents involving police officers in Quebec that result in death or serious injury. They are an independent body, separate from the police, and their findings will be submitted to the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions for review.
The KRPF has stated that they are cooperating fully with the investigation and have placed the officers involved on administrative leave. They have also offered their condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and have expressed their commitment to transparency and accountability.
This incident has sparked concern and calls for justice from the community of Salluit, a remote Inuit village located in northern Quebec. The BEI has assured that they will conduct a thorough and impartial investigation to provide answers and bring closure to those affected by this tragedy.
The investigation is ongoing, and the BEI has asked anyone with information about the incident to come forward and contact them at 1-800-461-8477.
