ASIRT Clears RCMP Officers in 2024 Vegreville Shooting

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) has cleared two RCMP officers of any wrongdoing in a February 2024 shooting in Vegreville, finding their use of force was lawful, necessary, and reasonable after a violent and chaotic series of events that began with a stabbing.

The Incident

On February 15, 2024, at about 10:35 p.m., RCMP were called to a home in Vegreville after a report that a man had stabbed his mother. While officers were responding, further 911 calls came in reporting attempted break-ins at nearby houses.

When officers arrived at a third home on the same street, residents told police the suspect — later identified as the affected person (AP) — was inside and armed with a knife. Officers entered the house with their pistols drawn and found the man barricaded in a bathroom.

After repeated commands to drop the knife, the man emerged holding the weapon and charged at the officers. Both officers fired, striking him multiple times. AP was taken to hospital with serious injuries and survived after undergoing extensive surgery.

AP’s Own Admission

During ASIRT’s investigation, the man admitted he had consumed cocaine and alcohol earlier that night and described feeling “no moral compass.” He said he stabbed his mother during an argument and then decided to provoke a police response in an attempt at “suicide by cop.”

AP told investigators he broke into a nearby home, waited for police, and intentionally ran toward the officers with a knife after warning them, “When I come out of here, I’ll stab you guys in the throat.”

He said the officers were “doing their job to protect the public” and agreed they were justified in shooting him, though he questioned whether 14 shots were excessive.

Witness and Evidence Summary

Witnesses confirmed the man had stabbed his mother, attempted to break into several homes, and entered one house while armed with a knife. The residents escaped unharmed.

Forensic investigators recovered 17 shell casings, six projectiles, and the knife at the scene. Blood stains throughout the house and damage to the entry window indicated a forced entry.

Legal Analysis

ASIRT’s review concluded the officers were acting within the scope of their duties and were justified under Sections 25 and 34 of the Criminal Code, which govern lawful use of force and self-defence.

Investigators determined the officers faced an immediate threat of death or serious injury when the armed suspect charged at them, leaving no reasonable alternatives.

“The officers were lawfully placed and acting properly in the execution of their duties,” ASIRT’s report stated. “The force used was proportionate, necessary, and reasonable in all the circumstances.”

Conclusion

ASIRT found no evidence of unlawful or unreasonable conduct by either officer. The investigation concluded that both acted appropriately in response to an armed and violent suspect who had already seriously injured another person.

The file is now closed with no charges recommended.