ASIRT Seeks Witnesses in Officer-Involved Shooting in Fort McMurray

FORT MCMURRAY, Alta. — The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) is seeking witnesses as it investigates an officer-involved shooting that left a man in critical condition earlier this month.

The incident occurred on Dec. 12 when Wood Buffalo RCMP officers responded to a report of a disturbance at a basement suite at Siltstone Place in Fort McMurray. The upstairs tenant had called police after hearing crying from the suite below.

Four officers attended the scene and found several people in the basement suite. While attempting to speak with the occupants, one man, who was not the tenant, became verbally aggressive. Officers then entered the suite to conduct a welfare check.

During their search, the man attempted to flee by climbing out of a basement window into the backyard. An officer pursued him, and shortly afterward, discharged their gun, wounding the suspect.

Emergency medical services were called, and the man was transported to hospital, where he remains in critical condition. The officer involved sustained a head injury, was treated at the hospital, and has since been released. Police confirmed that no body-worn cameras were available during the incident.

ASIRT, which investigates incidents involving police that result in serious injury or death, is asking for witnesses who may have information about the confrontation between the man and the officer. Investigators are urging anyone in the area who witnessed the events to contact ASIRT at 780-644-1483.