CALLING LAKE – The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) has released more details into an officer-involved shooting that resulted in the death of a 51-year-old man in Calling Lake Sept. 20.
An updated media release from the Government of Alberta, on behalf of ASIRT, on Sept. 21, says the man who was shot was in possession of a loaded lever-action .30-.30 rifle and walking down the road when the confrontation occurred.
"At about 1:32 a.m. ... the man emerged from the residence while carrying a firearm and began to walk down the road. At that time, a confrontation occurred with RCMP members during which one police officer discharged his service firearm, striking the man," the release said.
Athabasca RCMP were dispatched to Calling Lake at approximately 11:15 p.m. "to reports that the caller had made a statement suggesting he intended an armed confrontation with police. Upon arrival at the location, RCMP members located the 51-year-old man outside the residence. Shortly thereafter, he re-entered the residence."
The members then called in back-up from the Emergency Response Team and were able to contact the man by phone. Before additional support could arrive, a confrontation on the street led to the shooting.
RCMP provided first aid until emergency medical services arrived, but he was pronounced dead. No one else was injured.
RCMP later recovered the rifle and a spent shell casing from the scene.
The media release said no further information will be released as the incident is now under investigation. ASIRT will will examine the conduct of police during this incident, while the RCMP will maintain responsibility for the investigation into the man and his actions.
