ASIRT investigates death of Alberta man found in woods; last sighting by RCMP

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) is investigating after a man was found dead in a wooded area in Red Deer on Wednesday. ASIRT said an investigation suggests he was involved in an “incident” with Red Deer RCMP officers in the same area last Friday.T

ASIRT said RCMP tried to stop a reported stolen vehicle on Oct. 6. The driver refused to stop, but the vehicle was seen again and followed by police a short time later. The vehicle stopped in the area of 32 Street, east of Taylor Drive, and two people ran into the woods. Police weren’t able to find the suspects at that time.

On Nov. 11, a search of the same wooded area resulted in finding the body of a Red Deer resident.

“An autopsy has been conducted and there is no evidence to suggest the 45-year-old man died as a result of any physical injury or direct contact with the police,” said ASIRT in a release.

ASIRT said its investigation will focus on the circumstances surrounding events that took place on Oct. 6 in order to determine whether or not any acts or omissions by police officers contributed to the man’s death.

Red Deer RCMP said the man had been reported missing by a family member on Oct. 21. The last apparent sighting was by RCMP on Oct. 6.

Neither ASIRT nor RCMP will provide further details at this time.