Alberta's independent police watchdog has closed its investigation into a high-profile arrest by Edmonton police, determining that an officer acted appropriately when he used a baton launcher during an apprehension that resulted in a man being shot in the groin.
The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) released its findings Wednesday, confirming it will not pursue criminal charges against the tactical officer involved in the August 2024 incident.
Threats Preceded Tactical Response
The case began when a man made threatening phone calls to Edmonton Police Service on August 19 and 20, 2024. According to ASIRT's report, the individual stated he made the threats because he felt frustrated by comments made by then-police Chief Dale McFee, which he believed had worsened his existing mental health challenges stemming from previous police interactions.
The threatening nature of the calls prompted EPS to mobilize its tactical team to apprehend the suspect. When officers located the man parked outside a shopping mall on August 20, at least seven officers surrounded his vehicle and ordered him to the ground for arrest.
Confrontation Escalates During Arrest
The man refused to comply with police instructions, according to ASIRT's investigation. He stated he resisted arrest due to fear of being assaulted and because of his ongoing mental health difficulties. During the confrontation, he reportedly yelled at officers to shoot him.
It was during this escalating situation that a tactical officer deployed a baton launcher, a less-lethal device used by police forces across Canada. The shot struck the man in the groin, causing serious injury.
ASIRT's Assessment
ASIRT's one-and-a-half-page report concluded that the officer's use of force fell within acceptable parameters given the circumstances of the arrest. The watchdog found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing that would warrant prosecution.
The investigation highlights ongoing tensions in Alberta between police tactics, mental health crises, and concerns about how law enforcement responds to individuals experiencing psychological distress. The man's statements to police suggested his mental health condition played a significant role in both his initial threatening behavior and his resistance during arrest.
The case also raises questions about police-community relations and whether alternative response models might better serve individuals in mental health crisis situations. Community organizations and mental health advocates have long called for specialized crisis intervention teams that prioritize de-escalation over tactical force deployment.
ASIRT's decision to clear the officer concludes the formal investigation into the incident, though it may continue to spark debate about policing practices and mental health support in Edmonton and across Alberta.
This article is based on reporting from the Edmonton Journal, originally published June 10, 2026. Read the original story at Edmonton Journal.