An RCMP officer who shot at an American man after he crossed illegally into Canada last year acted on reasonable grounds, an independent investigation by a police watchdog found.
Responding officers were informed that the man had outstanding charges in the United States related to firearm theft and assaulting a peace officer.
Police located the suspect’s vehicle around 8:16 a.m. in the area between Coutts and Raymond and attempted a traffic stop, but the driver fled at speeds of up to 140 kilometres per hour. Officers pursued the suspect for more than an hour at high speeds across several highways near Lethbridge. During the chase, one officer reported seeing the suspect holding a gun to his head, according to the report.
At one point, an officer tried to ram the suspect’s vehicle in an effort to pin it against a concrete barrier. The manoeuvre failed, and the suspect continued driving the wrong way on Highway 4 at speeds exceeding 130 km/h. The report notes traffic was minimal and police had blocked access points.
Around 9:38 a.m., the suspect drove into a ditch and fled on foot, running through a rural property and into a nearby field despite repeated police commands to surrender.
During the foot pursuit, the man turned toward officers, and an officer fired a single round from his shotgun.
The chase continued, with the help of a police service dog. As the dog bit onto the suspect’s left forearm, the man shot himself in the head, fatally. Police later determined the firearm was a stolen .45-calibre Smith & Wesson handgun from the United States.
Toxicology tests showed the man had alcohol, cocaine, MDMA, ketamine, and LSD in his system.
The officer who fired his weapon told investigators he believed the suspect was preparing to “take on the police,” and may have been about to shoot at the officers. He also said he was concerned the suspect could enter a nearby home to evade arrest, posing a serious public safety risk.
The report found no evidence the officer’s gunshot struck the suspect or contributed to his death, meaning that outcome is not central to assessing liability. However, it notes that officers may still face criminal responsibility for intentionally or recklessly discharging a firearm, depending on intent and risk.
Under Section 25 of the Criminal Code, police are permitted to use necessary force in the execution of their duties, including force that may cause serious harm where reasonably required to protect life or safety. The report concluded the officer’s actions were reasonable, proportionate, and legally justified, given the suspect’s erratic behaviour, armed status, dangerous driving, and continued efforts to flee toward residential areas.
