Alberta’s police watchdog is probing an RCMP shooting after a man stabbed an officer north of Edmonton. Both men were treated and released.
A Routine Call Turns Dangerous North of Edmonton
What began as a routine traffic call quickly took a violent turn north of Edmonton.
On January 6, a Grande Prairie RCMP officer responded to reports of erratic driving around 3 p.m. Soon after, the officer found a vehicle stuck in a ditch. The driver was still inside. At first glance, the scene looked calm. However, that calm did not last.
Knife Attack Sparks Officer-Involved Shooting
As the Mountie approached the vehicle, the man suddenly attacked him with a knife. Because of the immediate danger, the officer fired his service pistol. Even then, the man refused to drop the weapon.
As a result, the officer also deployed a conducted energy weapon, commonly known as a Taser. Shortly afterward, additional RCMP officers arrived. Together, they brought the situation under control and took the man into custody.
Both Men Treated and Released from Hospital
Following the arrest, paramedics took the suspect to hospital. Doctors treated him for a gunshot wound. He was later released.
Meanwhile, the injured Mountie also received medical care for a stab wound. According to investigators, the injury was not life-threatening. He too was released from hospital after treatment.
Police Watchdog Steps In
Because the incident involved serious injuries, Alberta’s police watchdog stepped in.
The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team, known as ASIRT, is now investigating the shooting. The Police Review Commission requested the probe as a Level 1 investigation. Under Alberta’s Police Act, this level covers cases involving serious injury, death, or sensitive allegations tied to officer actions.
Investigation Still Ongoing
For now, ASIRT continues to gather evidence. Investigators will review officer actions, witness statements, and forensic details. Until that work is complete, no further conclusions have been released.
As the investigation moves forward, more updates are expected.
