Alberta’s police watchdog is investigating after an RCMP officer shot a man during a stabbing call in St. Paul earlier this month.

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) has been directed to review the March 10 incident, which unfolded in a residential area near a local school.

What Happened

RCMP were called to a home in the 4700 block of 51 Avenue around 1:30 p.m. after reports that a 19-year-old woman had been stabbed.

When officers arrived, they found the woman injured and immediately began providing first aid.

While searching the residence, officers located an adult man in a bedroom armed with a knife. Police say the man refused repeated commands to drop the weapon and moved toward officers.

An RCMP officer then fired their service weapon, striking the man.

Even after being shot, the man continued to hold the knife and did not comply with directions. Officers then used a conducted energy weapon, allowing them to safely disarm and arrest him.

Both Victims Expected to Survive

The injured man was transported by air ambulance to a hospital in Edmonton, while the stabbing victim was taken by ground ambulance to a local hospital.

Police say both individuals are expected to survive. No officers were injured.

Schools Placed in Hold and Secure

Because the incident occurred near a school, nearby schools were placed in a temporary hold and secure as a precaution. This measure restricts movement in and out of the school while allowing classes to continue inside.

Mayor Glenn Andersen said RCMP maintained strong communication with school officials and quickly contained the situation.

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

RCMP confirmed there was no ongoing threat to the public and that the situation was isolated to the residence.

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

Mayor Praises RCMP Response

Andersen noted that while incidents like this are rare, they can happen in any community.

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

He also praised the response from officers on scene.

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

Provincial Investigation Underway

Because the suspect was seriously injured during the interaction, ASIRT has launched a Level 1 investigation.

Under Alberta’s Police Act, this level of investigation is required in cases involving serious injury, death, or serious concerns about police actions.

At this stage, investigators say details released publicly are preliminary, and the investigation is ongoing.

The RCMP has also initiated an internal review examining training, policy, the response itself, and the officer’s duty status. Police say they are fully cooperating with ASIRT.

Support Services Available

Support is being offered through the Eastern Alberta Regional Victim Serving Society for anyone affected by the incident.

The organization helps individuals and families access resources to cope with traumatic events. They can be reached at 587-487-2505 or by email at info@earvss.ca.

What Happens Next

ASIRT, part of Alberta’s Police Review Commission, is an independent civilian-led agency responsible for investigating serious incidents involving police.

No further details are available at this time as the investigation continues.