Key takeaways:
- A man died of damages in hospital, police say.
- Police say the man attacked by officers Friday was seen earlier carrying what appeared to be a gun in 103A Avenue and 96 Street.
Alberta’s policing watchdog has been probed after officers fatally fired a man in central Edmonton Friday morning.
The suspect was fired near the LRT tracks along 95th Street near 105th Avenue following a fight with officers, police said in a press release.
The man was seen by officers about 6:30 a.m. in 103A Avenue and 96th Street, holding what appeared to be a handgun.
The release said that tactical and canine units were called in to have the area as officers observed the suspect.
The man ran toward the LRT tracks, where a confrontation occurred, and police opened fire.
The release said the suspect was taken to hospital, where he died of his wounds later Friday morning. No officers were hurt.
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‘Like firecrackers going off’
Darnell Daye, who has lived in the area for 22 years, said he was sitting in his flat on Friday morning when he heard gunshots outdoors.
“I was on my computer, and I heard of many firearms, like firecrackers going off, ” Daye said in an interview with CBC News.
“I figured it was firecrackers, so I go out on my terrace to see what was happening, and I could sense gunpowder from my balcony. That’s what I told police already.”
Daye said he went back inside and instantly called the police. He persisted in watching the police probe spread from his balcony overlooking the scene throughout the morning.
He saw some police cars and ambulances come and go from the scene. A half an hour after, police had started blocking off the streets and containing the set.
Source – cbc.ca
