ASIRT Concludes Investigation into RCMP Officer-Involved Shooting in Kehewin

On March 9, 2022, the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) initiated an investigation into a non-fatal Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officer-involved shooting pursuant to s. 46.1 of the Police Act. The incident occurred during the arrest of an individual suspected of involvement in a recent homicide investigation conducted by the RCMP in Bonnyville on March 9, 2022.

ASIRT’s meticulous investigation involved interviews with ten civilian witnesses and four police officers, including the subject officers. The affected person (AP) did not provide a statement to ASIRT. Additionally, ASIRT investigators examined RCMP communications from the incident and conducted a scene examination.

According to the investigation, RCMP officers in Bonnyville commenced a homicide investigation on March 9, 2022. Following a civilian 9-1-1 call, officers believed the AP was the suspect in question. Despite attempts to arrest the AP at a residence on the Kehewin Cree Nation, he managed to escape into nearby woods and later sought refuge at another residence on the Nation, accompanied by civilian witnesses.

When police arrived at the second residence, they instructed the AP to surrender. Despite these commands, the AP exited the residence brandishing a handgun and pointed it at a police officer. In response, the subject officers discharged their firearms multiple times, injuring the AP.

ASIRT’s analysis determined that the AP’s firearm was unloaded during the incident, contrary to initial perceptions. Nevertheless, given the circumstances and the perceived threat, the use of force by the subject officers was deemed proportionate, necessary, and reasonable. Consequently, ASIRT concluded that the officers’ actions were lawful and appropriate.

Based on the investigation’s findings, there are no grounds to believe that an offence was committed during the incident.

Background

On March 9, approximately at 7:15 p.m., prompting a response from the Bonnyville RCMP. Cpl. Troy Savinkoff, the Media Relations Officer with the Alberta RCMP Eastern Alberta District, confirmed the grim discovery upon officers’ arrival, stating that the victim, a 54-year-old male from Kehewin Cree Nation, was found deceased.

The altercation that occurred on March 9 between the RCMP and a 22-year-old suspect on Kehewin Cree Nation, resulting in officers discharging their service weapons, was connected to this ongoing investigation. The Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit had assumed control of the homicide investigation, with the 22-year-old suspect identified and hospitalized for medical treatment.

On March 12, the Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit arrested and charged Tristyn Trey Badger, 22, with:

• 2^nd Degree Murder

Badger was remanded in custody with his next court appearance set for March 22, 2022 in Bonnyville Provincial Court.

There has been no updates released in regards to the charges or court appearances.