The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) is investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting near Irricana that began with a domestic dispute call on July 3. According to ASIRT's preliminary update, the incident unfolded when Airdrie RCMP officers responded to a 911 call at approximately 6:20 p.m. from a woman reporting a domestic disturbance involving her boyfriend at a rural residence outside Irricana.
Sequence of Events
Two RCMP officers arrived at the scene and heard yelling from inside the home as they approached. The woman then exited through the front door. The officers remained outside near the entrance and called for the man to come out, but he did not respond. Minutes later, the man appeared at the front door and began walking toward police while holding what appeared to be a handgun, according to ASIRT.
During the subsequent interaction, one officer fired his service pistol multiple times, striking the man. Officers immediately provided first aid and called for emergency medical services, but paramedics pronounced the man dead at the scene. The incident was captured on both officers' body-worn cameras.
Investigation Details
ASIRT stated that the Police Review Commission has directed a Level 1 investigation, which under the provincial Police Act applies to cases involving serious injury or death, or serious or sensitive concerns about an officer's actions. The investigation will examine whether the use of force by police was warranted. ASIRT noted that the information released reflects what investigators know at this early stage and that no further details are available at this time.
In addition to ASIRT's probe, the RCMP is conducting an internal review of the altercation. The Irricana incident marks the fourth officer-involved shooting in Alberta within a two-week span, following shootings in Edmonton, Cold Lake, and Calgary.
Community Context
Irricana is a small town of roughly 1,200 residents, located about 60 kilometres northeast of Calgary. The fatal shooting occurred on July 3, and ASIRT's investigation remains ongoing.
