In a decision released today, December 12, 2024, the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) concluded that an RCMP officer acted lawfully in a March 2023 incident where the officer shot an individual at the Vermilion Health Centre (VHC). The individual, identified as the Affected Person (AP), suffered serious injuries but survived. ASIRT determined the officer’s actions were reasonable and necessary to protect themselves and others.

The Incident: A Mental Health Call Turns Violent

On March 1, 2023, the AP, experiencing anxiety and paranoia, called 911 and was subsequently apprehended under the Mental Health Act. He was brought to the VHC for treatment. Later that evening, the AP became agitated, retrieved a fire extinguisher, and attempted to strike the officer designated as the Subject Officer (SO). The SO repeatedly directed the AP to drop the weapon but was forced to fire three shots when the AP continued advancing.

ASIRT Investigation: Comprehensive and Transparent

ASIRT’s thorough investigation included interviews with the AP, nine civilian witnesses, and four police officers. It also reviewed security footage, audio recordings, and forensic evidence. The AP admitted to being under the influence of alcohol and cocaine, suffering hallucinations and delusions at the time of the incident.

Key Findings

ASIRT’s decision highlighted:

• The AP’s actions posed an immediate and serious threat, particularly as he attempted multiple times to strike the SO with the fire extinguisher.
• The SO’s response, including the use of lethal force, was proportionate to the danger faced.
• The situation offered limited alternatives; non-lethal options, such as pepper spray, were deemed unsuitable due to the close proximity and risk involved.

The AP’s mental health condition was acknowledged but did not diminish the severity of the threat.

Conclusion: Actions Justified Under Criminal Code

ASIRT’s Assistant Executive Director Matthew Block concluded that the SO acted in self-defence under Section 34 of the Criminal Code. “The force used by the SO was necessary and reasonable given the circumstances,” the report stated. No charges will be laid against the officer.

This incident underscores the complexities of law enforcement responses to mental health crises and highlights the importance of ongoing training and resources for officers handling such cases.

BACKGROUND – ORIGINAL RCMP RELEASE DATED MARCH 2, 2023

On March 1, 2023, at approximately 3:12 p.m., Vermilion RCMP responded to a request for assistance from EMS for an agitated male having a panic attack. Upon arrival, officers determined that the male was impaired by drugs and required medical attention. Officers assisted in transporting the male to Vermilion hospital, and were asked to remain there while the male was being treated.

At approximately 10:00 p.m., an officer accompanied the male outside so he could have a cigarette. When they were retuning to the hospital room, an altercation occurred between the male and the officer that resulted in the officer discharging his service pistol.

STARS air ambulance was called and the 33-year-old male, a resident of Lloydminster, was taken to an Edmonton hospital.

No officers were injured during this incident.