The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team has been called in to investigate a confrontation between members of the Edmonton Police Service and a 20-year-old man, which led to the man being Tasered by police.
The confrontation happened during a suspicious death investigation in the area of Fox Drive and Fort Edmonton Park Road on Oct. 22.
Police were called to the area at around 8:30 p.m. where a 19-year-old man, who has since been identified as Christopher Fawcett, was found dead. An autopsy showed Fawcett died from stab wounds.
READ MORE: Man found near Fox Drive was stabbed to death: Edmonton police
While at the scene, police noticed a shirtless man who “appeared hyperactive and possibly under the influence of unknown substances,” according to ASIRT. Officers said the man ran away when he was approached by police.
With the help of the police helicopter, officers were able to locate the suspect.
While taking the suspect into custody, ASIRT said police used force to gain control of the man, including physical restraint and a conducted energy weapon, commonly known as a Taser. A police service dog was also used during the arrest.
The man was taken to hospital with a collapsed lung, according to ASIRT.
ASIRT, which investigates incidents involving police that result in serious injury or death, said its investigation will focus on the actions of the Edmonton police members, not the death investigation.
Fawcett’s death was Edmonton’s 36th homicide of 2016.
Edmonton police said the man who was in the area at the time was a person of interest but was not in custody.
Editor’s Note: This story originally stated the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams was investigating, but the article has since been updated to state the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team is investigating.
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