A 36-year-old man fatally shot by Edmonton Police Service officers during a domestic violence call in the upscale Donsdale neighbourhood was armed with a shotgun, Alberta's Serious Incident Response Team confirmed this week.
The critical incident unfolded on Sunday, September 13, when EPS officers responded to an emergency call around 10 a.m. at a residential address in the southwest Edmonton community. Upon arrival, police quickly secured the scene and assisted two women and an infant who had already managed to escape the home to safety.
According to ASIRT's investigation report, the man then emerged from the residence carrying a shotgun. Officers immediately issued commands for him to drop the weapon. When he failed to comply, multiple officers opened fire, striking the suspect.
Despite rapid intervention by tactical paramedics who provided life-saving medical measures at the scene, the man was pronounced dead.
Victims Released From Hospital
The domestic violence call stemmed from a serious incident inside the home. One of the women sustained a gunshot wound and required hospital treatment, while the infant suffered other physical injuries. Both casualties were treated for non-life-threatening injuries and subsequently released from hospital, according to ASIRT.
The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team, which serves as the province's independent police watchdog, has indicated that their investigation into the officer-involved shooting remains ongoing. The team has committed to releasing additional details as the investigation progresses.
Incidents involving armed suspects and police response continue to draw scrutiny in Alberta communities. This case highlights the complex and dangerous situations officers face when responding to domestic violence emergencies where weapons are involved.
This article is based on reporting from the Edmonton Journal, which first covered the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team's findings on this officer-involved shooting.