Woman shot by police was drunk, inquest hears

A toxicologist told a coroner's inquest that the woman shot by Prince Albert police in 2008 had a blood alcohol level of .33, or four times the legal limit for driving.

Traces of marijuana and a psychiatric drug were also found in the system of Jacqueline Marie Montgrand, 44, who died from shots fired by police on March 18, 2008, while officers were attempting to enforce an eviction order at a home in Prince Albert's West Flat neighbourhood.

The expert testimony came from an RCMP officer.

The toxicologist said the combination of alcohol and drugs would lower a person's inhibitions and cause erratic decision-making.

On the opening day of the inquest Monday, police testified that Montgrand was compliant during the initial stages of their encounter. But the woman suddenly became angry, picked up a steak knife and threatened the officers.

When she moved toward the four officers and failed to comply with demands to stop, Montgrand was shot.

Myrna Laprise, Montgrand's niece, is representing the family at the inquest.

She told reporters that family members believe the police call could have been handled better.

"How come they didn't ask for a female police officer to come into the picture?" Laprise said.

She added family members are also wondering what happened to make the situation turn violent.

"What triggered her," Laprise asked, "from being so co-operative to ... she's going to pull a knife on you?"

A friend of the dead woman has testified that Montgrand had become increasingly angry when she drank in the weeks leading up to the shooting.

The inquest will take a break on Thursday but will resume Friday.

Under Saskatchewan's Coroner's Act, the findings of a coroner's jury are limited to establishing basic facts about a death, including the identity of the person who died, and how and when they died.

The jury may also make recommendations to prevent similar deaths, but it may not assign blame.