Fort McMurray RCMP justified in shooting boy who drove at officers, investigation finds

EDMONTON – Fort McMurray RCMP officers were justified in shooting a 16-year-old boy who tried to smash his car away from a police barricade in Feb. 2012, the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team announced Thursday.

The teen was believed to be driving a stolen 2008 Toyota Corolla at around 3:15 p.m. on Feb. 11, 2012. Another teen and a man were his passengers.

Three officers driving unmarked cars boxed the car in at the intersection of Hospital Street and the off-ramp of Highway 63. They identified themselves as police, approached the vehicle and ordered the driver out of the car.

Instead of complying, the teen attempted to smash his way out of the police barricade, striking the police vehicles. When he drove toward an RCMP officer, two other officers each fired once. One bullet struck the driver, the other hit the car.

The vehicle continued until a passenger in the front seat took control and stepped on the brakes. The driver was taken to hospital.

ASIRT investigators interviewed 21 civilian and 19 police witnesses. After consulting with forensics experts and a Crown prosecutor, the actions were deemed justified. No criminal charges will be laid against the two officers involved.

ASIRT investigates incidents or complaints involving serious injury or death of any person, and matters of a serious or sensitive nature involving police.