The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) has launched an investigation into an arrest carried out by Faust RCMP officers on Sept. 10, following a provincial directive issued on Oct. 8.
The incident began at 7:55 a.m. when residents of Atikameg called 911 to report a man walking around the community with a large knife. Multiple officers were dispatched, including two members from the Faust RCMP detachment, who were the first to arrive.
According to ASIRT, officers located the man near the band office at 10:13 a.m. After an officer ordered him to get on the ground, the man placed his hands behind his head and began lowering himself. One of the officers then fired a 40mm baton launcher, striking the man in the leg. Despite being hit, the man continued to comply and lowered himself fully to the ground. He sustained a bruise to his leg.
ASIRT’s review will focus on whether the force used during the arrest was appropriate. The agency says no further details about the incident will be released at this time.
Investigators are seeking additional witnesses who may have seen any part of the confrontation or may have video recordings. Anyone with information is asked to contact ASIRT at 403-592-4306.
