ASIRT releases update on Cold Lake RCMP officer shooting from Saturday

Fatal officer-involved shooting Cold Lake. ASIRT press release below:

On Dec. 14, at approximately 8:00 p.m., RCMP officers from the Bonnyville detachment responded to the area of 50 Street and 43 Avenue in Cold Lake. A 911 caller had reported an altercation between two males, one of whom had a knife.

It was later determined that the unarmed male had left the scene and was not injured during this altercation.

Three RCMP officers responded to the area and located a male who matched the description of the armed man provided by the caller. This individual subsequently produced a knife and approached the officers.

One RCMP officer discharged a firearm while another officer discharged a Conducted Energy Weapon (CEW) at the male.

The male suffered gunshot injuries as a result. EMS arrived shortly afterwards, and the officers assisted with on-site emergency treatment. The male was transported to the hospital by ambulance where he was declared deceased.

ASIRT’s investigation will examine the use of force by the officers. No additional information will be released.

As part of its ongoing investigation, ASIRT is working to identify people who may have witnessed aspects of the confrontation between the man and police. ASIRT is asking anyone who may have been in the area and may have witnessed these events and/or may have cell phone or dash cam video to contact investigators at 780-644-1483.

ASIRT’s mandate is to effectively, independently and objectively investigate incidents involving Alberta’s police that have resulted in serious injury or death to any person, as well as serious or sensitive allegations of police misconduct.