UPDATE: ASIRT released its report on this incident on October 9, 2024, and concluded the man with a lengthy criminal history died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. It’s believed he took his own life to avoid going back to prison. ASIRT said the there’s no reasonable grounds to believe the officers committed any offences. Previous story below.
Edmonton police said the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team is investigating after a man suffered a fatal gunshot wound during a confrontation with officers Saturday morning.
Police said officers were conducting patrols in the area of 152 Street and 102 Avenue at around 5:45 a.m. when they witnessed a man holding a saw while underneath a parked vehicle in a back alley.
READ MORE: ASIRT investigating after teen injured while being arrested by police in south Edmonton
According to police, the officers approached the man and a confrontation started, during which time the man pulled out a firearm and an officer used a stun gun. A short time later, the 50-year-old man suffered one gunshot wound, police said.
Police said the officers performed life-saving measures on the man until paramedics arrived and took him to hospital, where he died at around 12:40 p.m.
“Based on the evidence available, it is not believed either of the officers discharged their service weapons,” Edmonton police said in a news release, declining to say outright that the death was self-inflicted.
READ MORE: ASIRT investigating police shooting in north Edmonton
Police said an autopsy will be performed on July 8.
ASIRT has taken over the investigation.