A suspect was fatally shot by police in Southeast Edmonton on Wednesday morning after stabbing an officer during the execution of a search warrant. The incident has prompted an investigation by Alberta’s Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT), the province’s police watchdog.
The incident occurred today, at approximately 6 a.m. Members of the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) were executing a search warrant at a residence located near 15 Avenue and 54 Street. The officers involved were part of the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) Internet Child Exploitation Unit, which focuses on combating online crimes against children.
According to official reports, the suspect, whose identity has not been released, was inside the residence when the officers arrived. While they were speaking with the suspect, the situation escalated abruptly. The suspect reportedly produced a weapon and stabbed one of the EPS officers. In response, multiple officers discharged their firearms, striking the suspect.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were called to the scene, where the suspect was declared deceased. The injured officer was transported to a nearby hospital, where they were treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The officer’s condition is stable,
As the investigation is ongoing, EPS officials have stated they cannot provide further details at this time. All inquiries regarding the case are being directed to ASIRT. The watchdog agency is expected to conduct a thorough review of the incident, including interviews with the officers involved, examination of body camera footage, and an assessment of the use of force.
The area surrounding the incident was cordoned off for several hours as investigators and forensic teams combed through the scene. A significant police presence was noted along 54 Street, between 14 Avenue and Millwoods Road.
The officer’s stabbing and subsequent shooting of the suspect have raised questions about the risks law enforcement officers face, particularly when dealing with potentially dangerous individuals during high-stakes operations. The incident also highlights the critical role that specialized units, such as the ALERT Internet Child Exploitation Unit, play in safeguarding vulnerable populations from harm.