Investigation into Edmonton police use of force continues

On Oct. 9, two EPS officers were on patrol in their marked police vehicle in an industrial area. At approximately 11:50 p.m., they noticed two vehicles in an area they considered suspicious. When the two vehicles drove off, the officers followed them.

The officers caught up to one of the vehicles, a silver Dodge 3500, when it was on an overpass over the Yellowhead Highway. The driver of the Dodge 3500 quickly turned left toward the highway but failed to make the turn and entered the ditch, striking a large drainage pipe.

The officers stopped their vehicle on the edge of the road, activated their emergency lights, and exited their vehicle. One officer had his body-worn camera activated. The officers began to shout commands at the driver to throw the keys out of the window, exit the vehicle, and put his hands up. One officer had a carbine rifle out and one had a handgun. The driver of the Dodge 3500 did not follow their commands initially but eventually exited the vehicle. Officers told him to keep his hands up and walk toward them. The officer with the handgun brought out his conducted energy weapon (CEW) instead. The driver walked toward the officers.

Officers instructed the driver to turn around and he did. The officer with the CEW then fired it at the driver, who fell to the ground when it was successful. The officer activated the CEW a second time while the driver was on the ground.

ASIRT's investigation will examine the use of force. No additional information will be released.

As part of its ongoing investigation, ASIRT is continuing efforts to identify people who may have witnessed aspects of the confrontation between the man and police. ASIRT is asking anyone who may have been in the area and may have witnessed these events and/or may have video to contact investigators at 780-644-1483.

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.