On August 30, 2024, at 12:28 a.m., Wetaskiwin RCMP received a report of individuals who were following a caller to 911, who said these people were trying to kill him.
At 1:22 a.m., police located an individual on 56 Street and 37A Avenue in Wetaskiwin and approached him. It was found that this individual was in possession of several weapons, which officers were able to confiscate.
However, a confrontation occurred, which resulted in two officers discharging their service firearms and the individual being struck. Officers immediately transitioned to life-saving measures, rendering first aid to the individual, and EMS was called.
EMS transported the individual to the hospital; however, despite lifesaving efforts, the individual died at the hospital.
The deceased caller has been identified as a 15-year-old resident of Samson Cree Nation.
Events like these are traumatic for everyone involved, according to the police. “The Alberta RCMP wish to extend their profound condolences to the family, loved ones and friends of this young man,” said the force.
In compliance with legislative requirements, the Director of Law Enforcement was immediately notified, causing the deployment of the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) to oversee the investigation into this incident.
The RCMP believes in accountability and transparency and, in so doing, will provide full support to the ASIRT investigators, according to a statement by the police.
Independent of ASIRT’s investigation, the RCMP’s internal review processes have been implemented to gather a full account of what took place during this incident, including Police training, policy, and response.
