Investigation into fatal Wetaskiwin shooting continues

At 12:28 a.m. that day, RCMP received a 911 call from a 15 year old male who stated that he was being followed by people who wanted to harm him. At 12:43 a.m. a lone officer from the Wetaskiwin detachment located the youth in the area of 56 Street and 37A Avenue.

The officer's in-car video system captured both audio and video of the interaction. The youth and the officer spoke about the situation and the youth handed over a machete and knife that he had in his possession.

The youth provided information to the officer. The officer determined that the youth was at risk and attempted to apprehend the youth and search him as well as his backpack. While initially co-operative, the youth fled before being apprehended, running a short distance away.

The officer followed the youth in his police vehicle and was joined by other officers who were assisting on the call. These officers also had their in-car video system activated, which captured the incident as it unfolded. The youth was located a short distance away in a field. The officers approached and got out of their vehicles. At this point a confrontation occurred and two officers discharged their firearms.

The youth was struck by gunfire and fell to the ground. First aid was provided. EMS attended and transported the youth to the hospital where he died.

ASIRT is asking anyone who witnessed both the initial interaction with the lone officer as well as the shooting to contact investigators at 780-644-1483.

Under Alberta's Police Act, ASIRT can be deployed to review another agency's investigation, assist in a multi-agency investigation or conduct its own independent investigation in which investigative steps and the final conclusion rests solely with ASIRT.

This incident is a full, independent investigation by ASIRT into the use of force by the officers. ASIRT has been provided with the watchguard video as well as all relevant communication by the RCMP. As the matter remains under investigation no further information will be released publicly by ASIRT.

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.

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