WATCH ABOVE: St. Albert RCMP Const. David Wynn passed away in an Edmonton hospital Wednesday morning. The community and the RCMP are preparing to say their final goodbyes. Michel Boyer reports.
EDMONTON — An Alberta RCMP officer who suffered a gunshot wound to the head during an investigation north of Edmonton died Wednesday morning.
Const. David Wynn, 42, passed away in an Edmonton hospital. He never regained consciousness after being shot in St. Albert Saturday morning.
“Today, the RCMP lost a dedicated member in the line of duty, his wife lost a husband, and his sons lost a father,” said Deputy Commissioner Marianne Ryan, Commanding Officer of the RCMP in Alberta.
“Words cannot express the deep sadness we feel today.”
READ MORE: Outpouring of condolences following death of Alberta RCMP officer
Alberta RCMP said it was a routine license plate check that led to Const. David Wynn being mortally wounded in a confrontation at a St. Albert casino.
Mounties said Wynn and Auxiliary Const. Derek Bond had just identified a truck with license plates that didn’t match registration, outside the Apex Casino, when 34-year-old Shawn Maxwell Rehn fired at the officers.
Wynn was shot in the head at close range. His family made the decision to take him off life support on Monday. Bond was seriously injured but released from hospital Saturday night. Rehn’s body was later found at a nearby residence.
WATCH: We now know more about what happened right before the shooting that killed Constable Wynn and injured Auxiliary Constable Derek Bond. Kent Morrison has more.
“On behalf of St. Albert City Council and all St. Albertans, we extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of RCMP Constable Wynn,” said Mayor Nolan Crouse in a statement.
“We join you in mourning his passing as we struggle with the senselessness of his death.
“Policing is a noble profession, where ordinary people do extraordinary things to help keep our communities safe. Our thoughts are with RCMP Constable Wynn’s family as we collectively grieve.”
READ MORE: ‘We’re saying our goodbyes today’: wife of St. Albert RCMP Const. Wynn
On Monday night, Wynn’s wife, Shelley MacInnis-Wynn, stood at a podium in front of the media alongside her sister-in-law and several RCMP officials.
“We’re saying our goodbyes today,” she said. “And then, from there, he’ll be in a better place.”
“But today’s the day we say goodbye to David.”
READ MORE: St. Albert residents create white ribbons as symbol of support
During the emotional statement, MacInniss-Wynn thanked their RCMP family.
“I was told at depot when Dave graduated how much support we would have throughout his whole career, but I never really knew until now.
“I never really knew what type of family the RCMP were and they are just unbelievable… and have made this process so much easier for us, for the whole family, for my kids.”
Const. Wynn was a father of three.
WATCH: The full news conference where Const. David Wynn’s wife Shelly MacInnis-Wynn and family members spoke on Monday.
READ MORE: ‘I don’t think there was anything we could have done’: RCMP on St. Albert shooting
RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson blames the justice system for releasing Rehn, a violent career criminal who was awaiting trial when he died.
“That’s the accountability I’m seeking,” Paulson wrote in a statement to Global News.
“When an offender has a demonstrated pattern of not attending court and not complying with orders he needs to be (h)eld!”
Documents show that Rehn was released on bail as recently as Sept. 13, 2014. He faced 15 charges at the time, including possessing stolen property, possessing a controlled substance, possessing a prohibited firearm and escaping lawful custody.
Alberta Justice Minister Jonathan Denis hasn’t responded to RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson’s criticisms about Rehn’s criminal record. However, Denis did release a statement following the passing of Wynn, which read:
“Alberta has lost a brave and dedicated RCMP officer today. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and fellow police officers during this difficult time. Constable Wynn put himself in harm’s way in order to serve and protect Albertans, and for this we owe him and his loved ones a debt of gratitude. He will be forever remembered.”
Denis held a news conference early Wednesday afternoon in Calgary.
READ MORE: Justice Minister orders review into Crown’s actions after shooting death of Alberta RCMP officer
A regimental funeral for Wynn will be held at Servus Place in St. Albert on Monday, Jan. 26 at 2 p.m.
The RCMP Veterans Association Edmonton Division has set up a family support fund in Wynn’s memory. The fund will also provide assistance to Auxiliary Const. Derek Bond. Donations can be made at any CICB branch across Canada. For more information on the fund visit the City of St. Albert’s website.
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