On Feb. 9, 2024, at 9:45 p.m., Officers from the Bonnyville RCMP responded to a report of a male acting erratically, trying to break into a room where people were hiding, and causing damage to a rural home in the Municipal District of Bonnyville. Recognizing the imminent threat, members identified themselves and entered the residence. Immediate efforts to de-escalate were successful allowing the members to escort other people within the household to safety.
However, the suspect then confronted officers again. This resulted in an officer discharging their service firearm and the suspect being seriously injured. Officers immediately transitioned to life saving measures, rendering critical first aid to the suspect as EMS was called. The suspect has been taken by STARS to hospital where they remain in serious, life-threatening condition. A non-police firearm was recovered at the scene.
No members of the public or officers were injured during the incident.
In compliance with legislative requirements, the Director of Law Enforcement was immediately notified causing the deployment of ASIRT to conduct an independent investigation. The RCMP believes in accountability and transparency and in so doing will provide full support to the ASIRT investigators and also conduct its own internal review.
Events like this are difficult for the communities in which they occur, as well as the general public and RCMP members involved. RCMP members recognize the trust placed in them to use force that is necessary, proportional and reasonable and in so doing remain fully accountable. While this is not the outcome that we hope for, it is a situation for which RCMP members are highly trained. Understanding that the ASIRT investigation will capture all the details, it is apparent that the officer's actions were instrumental in preventing further harm from others in the residence as well as providing immediate life saving first aid to the subject of the complaint.
Independent of ASIRT's investigation, the RCMP's internal review process has been implemented to gather a full account of what took place during this incident. RCMP training, policy, police response, and the member's duty status will be subject to review. The RCMP is fully cooperating with ASIRT. All media inquiries about this incident should now be directed to ASIRT at 780-641-9099.