Man dies after confrontation with police on Highway 43 near Whitecourt
RCMP say officers fired several gunshots after traffic stop near roadside rest area
A man died Tuesday near Whitecourt, Alta., after a confrontation with police in which officers fired several gunshots.
Whitecourt RCMP said officers tried to stop a vehicle on Highway 43. As the officers attempted to approach the vehicle, "a confrontation occurred which led to the discharge of members' firearms," police said in a news release issued just after 5 p.m.
"The adult male suspect who was involved in this incident was later located deceased."
The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team has been notified and is investigating the incident, the news release said.
The roadside confrontation happened near Chickadee Creek, RCMP said, in a rest area about 20 kilometres northwest of Whitecourt.
Police issued their first news release about the incident at 1:45 p.m.
"The area surrounding a rest area is contained in search of a suspect who fled from police," the earlier news release said. "The situation is being contained and a large police presence is on scene to ensure public safety."
RCMP warned motorists about extensive traffic delays on Highway 43. Three hours later, they said traffic flow had returned to normal.
ASIRT has a mandate to investigate incidents involving Alberta's police that result in serious injury or death, and also to investigate allegations of police misconduct.
WB Hwy43, closed near Chickadee Creek, west of Whitecourt, due to an unfolding police event. Expect major delays in the area. Travellers are advised to use an alternate route. Updates will be provided once available. (1:38pm) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ABRoads?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ABRoads</a>
—@511Alberta2 cop cars raced out by me in whitecourt. Hwy 43 west of town is at a complete standstill just after the scales.
—@1nked0il