Alberta RCMP Serious Crimes Branch, with the assistance of the Central Alberta District General Investigation Section, have concluded their investigation into the events leading up to the officer involved shooting which occurred in Ponoka, Alta., on Feb. 10, 2022.
On May 19, 2022, a 40-year-old individual of Ponoka was arrested and charged with possession of a weapon for a purpose dangerous to the public peace.
The 40-year-old individual appeared in Wetaskiwin Provincial Court on May 24, 2022, and was released on conditions. His next court date is June 17, 2022, in Wetaskiwin.
The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) is investigating the circumstances surrounding the actions of the police during this investigation. Any questions should be directed to them.
As this matter is now before the courts, no further information will be released.
Background:
February 10,2022
Ponoka RCMP officer involved shooting
Ponoka Alta. – On Feb. 10, 2022, at approximately 9:35 a.m., Ponoka RCMP received a report of an armed individual approaching the Ponoka RCMP Detachment holding a weapon. A confrontation occurred between the suspect and an officer, during which the officer discharged their service weapon.
Officers on scene provided first aid to the male until emergency medical services attended. The male was airlifted to hospital, the suspect sustained critical injuries as a result of the confrontation.
Our thoughts are with those affected by this event. No RCMP officers sustained injuries during the confrontation.
Ponoka RCMP have contained the area, and the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) is attending the scene to initiate an investigation into the circumstances of the officer involved shooting.
The RCMP believes in processes that seek the facts and it's important that processes taken to assess the actions of all those involved, including the police, are fair, transparent, and defendable. This is why, as soon as we became aware of this incident, we immediately notified the Director of Law Enforcement and initiated our internal review process. The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) has been directed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the actions of the police during this investigation.
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, police response, and the duty status of the members involved will be subject to review. The RCMP is, of course, fully cooperating with ASIRT and will not be commenting further on this incident. All media inquiries about this incident should now be directed to ASIRT at 780-641-9099.