On that date at about 4:30 p.m., RCMP received information regarding a domestic aggravated assault that had occurred earlier that day in Saskatchewan. The bulletin provided, among other things, a description of the vehicle and information regarding the possible presence of a firearm.

At about 8:30 p.m., RCMP located the vehicle in question, and a marked police vehicle attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The vehicle failed to stop, and the officers initiated a pursuit. During the pursuit, a tire deflation device was successfully deployed, but was not effective in immediately stopping the vehicle. As this was occurring, the RCMP made contact with the driver by phone, and attempted to de-escalate the situation. However, the driver refused to surrender, and made several threats regarding the use of a firearm. Ultimately, just east of the Hamlet of Entwistle, police were able to bring the vehicle to a stop by way of intentional contact from a police vehicle.

Once the vehicle had stopped, a confrontation occurred between the 32-year-old driver of the vehicle and members of the RCMP Emergency Response Team (ERT). During that confrontation, three members of ERT discharged their service firearms, striking the man.

An RCMP tactical medic provided first aid to the man, who was pronounced dead upon the arrival of Emergency Medical Services (EMS). A loaded .22-calibre rifle was recovered from the scene, and was seized by ASIRT investigators.

ASIRT investigators are asking anyone who was in the area of Highway 16 and Range Road 73 near Entwistle on Aug. 30 and witnessed the incident, or who has any information or video related to this incident, to contact ASIRT at 780-644-1483.

As ASIRT’s investigation is underway, no further information will be released at this time.

ASIRT’s mandate is to effectively, independently and objectively investigate incidents involving Alberta’s police that have resulted in serious injury or death to any person, as well as serious or sensitive allegations of police misconduct.

This release is distributed by the Government of Alberta on behalf of the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team.

Media inquiries

• ASIRT media line
  780-641-9099