ASIRT clears RCMP officer in Red Deer shooting

Evidence suggests Mountie had to make ‘split-second decision to use lethal force’

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team says a Red Deer RCMP officer faced “a split-second decision” to use lethal force or risk serious injury or death when he fired his weapon at a man in an apartment building last year.

According to a news release issued by the police oversight body Friday, which cleared the officer involved, a closer examination of the man’s weapon showed it was a revolver-style pellet gun that was not loaded at the time of the incident.

On May 1, 2016, officers were called to the complex at 5017 49 St. in Red Deer after dispatch received a 911 call from a 28-year-old man who said he was armed with a loaded handgun, wanted to end his life and would shoot anyone who came to his door.

While officers went to the scene, another officer called the man on his cellphone and asked him to peacefully leave his home and get help.

When Mounties arrived, one officer stepped into the hallway of the man’s floor and saw someone holding what appeared to be a handgun.

ASIRT says the man raised the gun and pointed it toward the officer.

The officer fired his weapon, striking the man, who fell to the ground.

Paramedics treated the man, who sustained a gunshot wound to his shoulder, and took him to hospital with serious but non-lifethreatening injuries.

ASIRT executive director Susan Hughson ruled that the use of force in the incident was reasonable and justified.

“The physical evidence from the scene, the corresponding video, the statements of the witness officers, the subject officer, and the 28-year-old man, all lead to the inescapable conclusion that the officer faced a split-second decision to use lethal force or risk serious injury or death to himself and his fellow officers from what appeared to be a deadly threat,” a news release stated.

ASIRT investigates incidents involving Alberta’s police that have resulted in serious injury or death, as well as serious or sensitive allegations of police misconduct.

The officer faced a split-second decision to use lethal force or risk serious injury or death ...