A domestic violence situation spiralled into tragedy Sunday morning in west Edmonton when police officers were forced to open fire on an armed man, ultimately killing him at the scene.
The Edmonton Police Service responded to a residence near Donsdale Drive and 45th Avenue after receiving reports that a man had entered the home with a firearm and shot a woman and infant inside.
When officers arrived, they quickly established a perimeter around the property and made contact with witnesses and the injured parties. The situation escalated when the 36-year-old suspect emerged from the home armed with a gun.
"When he did not comply with verbal directions from officers, three police members discharged their firearms," Edmonton Police stated in their official release.
Despite immediate life-saving efforts by the service's tactical emergency medical support team, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Victims' Condition
Police confirmed Monday that the woman suffered a gunshot wound while the infant sustained what they described as "other physical injuries." Both injuries are believed to be non-life-threatening, according to authorities. No police officers were injured during the confrontation.
Investigation Underway
Edmonton Police classified the incident as domestic violence-related, noting that all parties involved—the suspect and the injured woman and child—were known to each other.
The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) has taken over the investigation following a directive from the Police Review Commission. ASIRT is the provincial agency responsible for investigating police-involved deaths and serious injuries across Alberta.
The investigation will examine whether the officers' use of force was justified and whether proper protocols were followed during the response.
This report is based on information from CBC Edmonton's Jennifer Blackwood. For support with domestic violence, Albertans can contact the Family Violence Info Line at 1-866-306-4636 (toll-free across Canada).