Mayor Glenn Andersen says RCMP responded quickly and professionally to a serious incident earlier this week in St. Paul that involved a stabbing and an officer-involved shooting near a local school.

The incident happened Tuesday afternoon, March 10, when St. Paul RCMP responded to a report of a 19-year-old woman who had been stabbed in the 4700 block of 51 Avenue around 1:30 p.m.

When officers arrived, they began communicating with a male suspect at the scene.

According to RCMP, a confrontation occurred during that interaction and an officer discharged their service pistol, striking the suspect.

The injured man was transported to hospital by air ambulance, while the stabbing victim was taken to hospital by ground ambulance. Police say both individuals are expected to survive, and no officers were injured.

Speaking during a Lakeland Connect interview, Andersen said incidents like this are rare but can happen in any community.

“That kind of incident can happen in any municipality,” Andersen said.

Nearby schools placed in hold and secure

Because the incident happened close to a school, nearby schools were temporarily placed in hold and secure, which restricts entry and exit while classes continue inside.

Andersen said RCMP communicated with school officials and ensured the situation remained contained.

“The RCMP had communication with the school, it was close to a school, and they controlled it really well,” he said.

RCMP have confirmed there were no direct threats to the schools or the public, and investigators believe the situation was isolated to the residence involved.

“At no time was there any danger to the municipality,” Andersen said. “It was just isolated to that one little house.”

The mayor also thanked RCMP members for their response.

“St. Paul residents respect the RCMP, and they did a really good job controlling it,” Andersen said.

Provincial investigation underway

Because the suspect was seriously injured during the police interaction, the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) has been directed to investigate the officer-involved shooting.

Under Alberta’s Police Act, a Level 1 investigation is launched whenever an incident involves serious injury, death or serious allegations involving police actions.

At this stage, investigators say information released publicly is based on preliminary details.

The RCMP has also started its own internal review examining training, policy, the police response and the officer’s duty status. Police say they are fully cooperating with ASIRT investigators.

Support services available

Support is being offered through the Eastern Alberta Regional Victim Serving Society, formerly known as Victim Services.

The organization helps individuals and families access resources to cope with the emotional impact of traumatic events.

Anyone needing support can contact the organization at 587-487-2505 or by email at info@earvss.ca.