ASIRT clears RCMP officers after the fatal shooting of gunman in Rocky Mountain House

A tense standoff west of Rocky Mountain House in August 2021 ended with the fatal shooting of a 39-year-old man by RCMP Emergency Response Team (ERT) officers.

After an investigation by the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT), the officers involved have been cleared of any wrongdoing.

The incident began on August 13, 2021, with an armed carjacking in Parkland County.

The suspect, later identified as "AP," was also linked to the murder of his ex-girlfriend and the attempted murder of another man in Edmonton. AP evaded capture but repeatedly contacted the RCMP, falsely claiming to hold a hostage and expressing suicidal intentions.

AP was located on the morning of August 14 in an outbuilding at an oilfield site. He fired at least two shots while inside, one of which he claimed was accidental, and posted to social media about his plans to "get in a shootout with police."

Despite prolonged negotiations, AP refused to surrender and threatened to provoke a violent confrontation.

When RCMP deployed irritant gas to force him out, AP exited the building armed with a pump-action shotgun. Officers attempted to subdue him with a non-lethal round, but he raised his weapon toward them. Three ERT officers opened fire, striking AP, who later died at the scene despite medical efforts.

An autopsy confirmed that AP died from multiple gunshot wounds. Toxicology revealed significant amounts of cocaine in his system, along with small amounts of ethanol, fentanyl, and cannabis.

ASIRT concluded that the officers' use of force was proportionate and necessary. “The subject officers’ actions were lawfully permitted,” the report stated, citing AP’s refusal to surrender, his armed threats, and the danger he posed to police.