EDMONTON -- The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) is investigating after Edmonton police shot a man as they responded to a mental health call.
In a news release, Edmonton Police Services (EPS) said it responded at 4:50 a.m. Saturday to a home near 125 Street and 147 Avenue in north Edmonton where an intoxicated 36-year-old man with a firearm and edged weapon was said to be acting unpredictably and threatening self-harm.
ASIRT said in a news release Monday he had expressed “suicidal thoughts” to others and posted similar comments and images on his social media.
Police say they safely removed a child from the residence before turning their attention to the man.
A negotiator was dispatched to try and encourage the 36-year-old to “peacefully surrender” and “accept help,” police said.
“During the negotiations, the man exited the residence with a firearm and edged weapon and then returned back inside the home,” police said in a statement.
Police say officers remained on scene as “several attempts” to negotiate a peaceful conclusion were made but that when at 7:20 a.m. the man left the home, a confrontation took place.
According to ASIRT, officers deployed a non-lethal distraction device, however, the confrontation continued and two officers fired their guns, striking the civilian.
He was taken to hospital and his injuries were described as serious.
As of Monday, officials said his condition had stabilized
EPS say no officers or bystanders were injured during the incident.
ASIRT added that the knife and 9-mm Glock handgun were recovered at the scene of the shooting.
