On June 19, 2024, at 11:23 p.m., RCMP received a report of a suicidal individual with a firearm outside of the Leduc Detachment. To locate the suspect, additional resources were deployed, including the Alberta RCMP Emergency Response Team, nearby detachments, Edmonton Police Service (EPS) Air 1 Helicopter and EPS Tactical Team and EPS Police Dog Service. EPS Air 1 located the suspect vehicle in Leduc and containment was established. RCMP were able to contact the suspect and attempts were made to deescalate the situation. A confrontation occurred between the suspect and EPS officers resulting in at least one EPS officer discharging a firearm. As a result, the suspect was injured. Unfortunately, the suspect, a 63-year-old Leduc County resident, died as a result of his injuries. A firearm was located with the suspect.
No officers or members of the public were injured during this incident.
In compliance with legislative requirements, the director of law enforcement was immediately notified causing the deployment of ASIRT to conduct an independent investigation. The RCMP believes in accountability and transparency and in so doing will provide full support to the ASIRT investigators and also conduct its own internal review.
Events like this are difficult for the communities in which they occur, as well as the general public and officers involved. Police recognize the trust placed in them to use force that is necessary, proportional and reasonable and in so doing, remain fully accountable. While this is not the outcome that we hope for, it is a situation for which officers are highly trained.
Independent of ASIRT's investigation, the RCMP's internal review process has been implemented to gather a full account of what took place during this incident. RCMP training, policy, and police response. The RCMP is fully cooperating with ASIRT. All media inquiries about this incident should now be directed to ASIRT at 780-641-9099.