Suspect shot by police faces string of charges

A man shot by an Edmonton police officer Monday while responding to a gun call at a busy northside intersection was charged with a string of offences Thursday.

Glenn Justin Ironchild, 36, faces charges of careless use of a firearm, pointing a firearm, assault with a weapon, possession of offensive weapon dangerous to the public, unauthorized possession of a firearm, two counts of knowingly possess unauthorized firearm, four counts of possession of a firearm/ weapon contrary to prohibition order, careless storage of a firearm, unauthorized possession of prohibited/restricted weapon and tampering with a serial number.

Police said Ironchild was charged and remanded into custody Thursday. A bail hearing is set for April 6.

He remains in hospital with a chest wound, but is no longer in critical condition.

Meanwhile, the Alberta Series Incident Response Team (ASIRT) said Thursday the firearm seized by police is a Lee-Enfield .303-calibre rifle. The rifle is commonly used for hunting medium-sized game, including black bears.

The shooting happened around 11:33 a.m. Monday at the intersection of 137 Avenue and 50 Street after multiple 911 calls were received about a man with a gun.

Court documents show Ironchild has a lifetime firearm prohibition and had a warrant out for his arrest at the time of the shooting.

While police investigate Ironchild’s actions, ASIRT stressed its investigation will focus on the circumstances surrounding the conduct of the involved officers and the use of force during the gun call.

“While there is considerable information already within the public domain ... It is important not to rush to a conclusion before all the evidence has been collected and assessed,” said the ASIRT statement.

“ASIRT would like to thank all those who have come forward and assisted with the investigation by providing recorded video, photographs, and statements in relation to the incident.”

The officer who shot Ironchild was on patrol with a new recruit who didn’t fire his weapon. Both officers were placed on mandatory administrative leave.