Onion Lake RCMP’s shooting of civilian “justified” in Aug. 2020 incident: ASIRT

Suspect livestreamed portions of their pursuit on Facebook Live, revealing suicidal ideations. This weapon, a black Cooey .22 rifle found at the scene, was brandished on Facebook Live videos. Image: ASIRT. 

RCMP’s use of force has been deemed justified, according to ASIRT, from an August 2020 where a suspect was shot and killed by police. 

The situation unfolded on Aug. 30, 2020 in Onion Lake, following a report of a domestic dispute. 

A 32-year-old man removed his infant daughter from the vehicle and subsequently ran over his common-law spouse’s arm when she tried to prevent him from driving away.

Onion Lake RCMP were on the lookout for the suspect, pursued for aggravated assault, but knowing he was armed and suicidal. 

Police were able to ping his phone to determine he was travelling on Highway 16 towards Edmonton. 

Multiple attempted stops and tire deflation devices eventually brought to the suspect to a halt. 

Despite flattened tires, AP continued driving and AP brandished a rifle out of the driver’s side window. 

Police say the suspect began to move the rifle in the direction of an RCMP ERT officer. Three officers then shot at the suspect, who died shortly after. 

An autopsy determined the suspect died from multiple gunshot wounds and he had alcohol, methamphetamine and cocaine in his system at the time of this event.  

‘A bullet…’

The common-law partner said in the report that her and the suspect had been together since 2016 and had a one-year-old child together. They said in the report, he “was going to blast himself or the cops.” 

The suspect used Facebook Live to livestream during his pursuit, with police saying they became aware of the video after the shooting. 

Investigators subsequently obtained five Facebook Live videos. The report says he was quite emotional in all of the videos speaking to aspects of his life that had caused him to feel the way he did. 

They would periodically drink from one of two alcohol bottles on his lap and would also hold a black Cooey .22 rifle that was in his possession. 

On numerous occasions the suspect would make comments inferring his desire or intention to die. While holding the rifle, one such comment was, “I ain’t going out like no bitch man! A bullet in here has my name on it.” 

Subsequent text messages revealed suicidal ideations. 

ASIRT’s report says that the officers were lawfully placed, and acting properly in the execution of their duties. 

“There is no evidence to support any belief that any of the subject officers engaged in any unlawful or unreasonable conduct that would give rise to an offence,” it continues. 

“While the death of AP is unfortunate, the force used by the subject officers was proportionate, necessary, and reasonable in all the circumstances. ASIRT’s investigation having been completed and our mandate fulfilled, I have concluded our file.”