Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta’s independent police watchdog has launched an investigation into the fatal shooting of a man by an RCMP officer during a domestic disturbance response near Irricana.
The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) confirmed that the incident occurred on the evening of July 3 after Airdrie RCMP officers were dispatched to a rural property following a 911 call reporting a dispute between a woman and her partner.
According to preliminary information, the caller safely exited the residence after officers arrived and spoke with police outside the home. Officers then attempted to communicate with the man inside, repeatedly asking him to come out.
Police said the man initially refused to respond but later emerged from the residence carrying what officers believed was a handgun. During the encounter that followed, one of the responding officers discharged his service weapon multiple times, fatally injuring the individual.
Following the shooting, officers immediately began first-aid efforts and requested emergency medical assistance. Despite those efforts, paramedics declared the man dead at the scene.
Authorities said both responding officers were equipped with body-worn cameras, and the incident was recorded. The footage will form part of the investigation being conducted by ASIRT.
The Police Review Commission has classified the case as a Level 1 investigation under Alberta’s Police Act, a designation reserved for incidents involving death, serious injury, or significant concerns regarding police conduct.
Investigators will examine whether the officer’s use of force complied with legal standards and whether any criminal offences may have occurred.
ASIRT stressed that the investigation remains in its early stages and that only limited information can be released while evidence is being reviewed. Officials have not disclosed the identity of the deceased or any additional details surrounding the domestic disturbance.
The agency, which functions independently of police services, is responsible for investigating incidents across Alberta in which police actions result in serious injury or loss of life. Further updates will be issued once investigators are able to release additional information.
