The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) has cleared the officers involved in the fatal shooting of a suspected killer in Alberta.
According to ASIRT, the incident occurred on October 19, 2020, when officers from the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) responded to a call about a man who was believed to have killed his wife and was armed and dangerous.
The officers located the suspect in a vehicle and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. However, the suspect refused to stop and a pursuit ensued. During the pursuit, the suspect fired multiple shots at the officers, who returned fire, fatally injuring the suspect.
ASIRT’s investigation found that the officers acted in accordance with their training and the use of force was justified in this situation. The investigation also revealed that the suspect had a history of violence and had previously threatened to harm police officers.
ASIRT Executive Director, Susan Hughson, stated that “the officers involved in this incident were faced with a dangerous and rapidly evolving situation. They acted with bravery and professionalism, putting their own lives at risk to protect the public.”
The EPS also released a statement expressing their condolences to the family and friends of the victim and acknowledging the difficult and traumatic experience for all involved.
The ASIRT investigation was conducted independently and with transparency, in accordance with the Alberta Police Act. The findings have been reviewed by the Crown Prosecution Service, who determined that no criminal charges would be laid against the officers involved.
This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers that police officers face every day while protecting our communities. ASIRT’s thorough investigation has provided closure for all parties involved and reaffirmed the trust and confidence in our law enforcement agencies.
