According to a release on March 8 from Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT), it has been concluded that on March 1 at approximately 3:15 p.m. the Vermilion RCMP assisted EMS in transporting a 33-year-old male to the Vermilion Health Centre.
Around 10 p.m. an RCMP officer accompanied the male outside the centre to smoke a cigarette. Upon re-entering the health centre, the man grabbed a fire extinguisher from the wall and engaged in a confrontation with the RCMP officer.
In response to the altercation, the officer discharged his firearm, striking the man. The man was given medical attention and transported to a hospital in Edmonton by STARS, where he remains receiving treatment.
ASIRT was directed to investigate the officer-involved shooting.
On March 2 the Health Care Centre was contacted for comment and was directed to Alberta Health Services (AHS) media communications team where James Woods, Director, Media Relations & Issues Management commented that AHS takes the matter of safety in their healthcare spaces very seriously, and are committed to providing safe environments for their patients and families, physicians, staff and volunteers.
“We are reviewing this incident, and cooperating fully with the RCMP and their investigation,” said Woods.
Woods also explained that all sites have Code White Plans in place in the event of violence or aggression which creates an immediate threat to safety.
“All front-line staff receive training in AHS’ policies and procedures for harassment and violence prevention and response. Staff is provided with additional training based on their role. Thousands have received Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI) ® training to help them prevent, intervene or de-escalate a crisis situation safely and effectively,” said Woods.
According to the updated release from ASIRT, they will continue their investigation and will examine the use of force by the officer, and no additional information will be released.
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.
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