A Disturbing Incident Unfolds

A suspect is dead following a police shooting that shook a west Edmonton community early Tuesday afternoon. The dramatic events began around 12:46 p.m. as officers responded to reports of a man armed with a gun near 97 Avenue and 163 Street.

Witnesses say the suspect had brandished a firearm before fleeing into a nearby alley, prompting a sweeping police search in the Meadowlark area.

A Tense Confrontation

Confrontation ensued when police located a man matching the description in a back alley behind an apartment complex on 156 Street. According to the Edmonton Police Service, the situation escalated, leading to one officer discharging their weapon.

Residents nearby were alarmed. Debbit Lamont, who has lived in the area for nearly a decade, described her shock as she experienced the chaos unfolding right outside her door.

Terrifying Moments for Residents

Just as she settled in for a break after a long day at work, Lamont was jolted awake by the sound of gunfire. "It was the worst sound that I’ve ever heard,” she recalled, trembling at the memory.

Amid the gunshots, she heard commands from police: "Put your hands behind your back!" When the chaos calmed, she cautiously reopened her patio door and saw the injured man on the ground, blood visibly seeping from his head.

Community Concerns Amplified

As authorities cordoned off the area and began a thorough investigation, Lamont expressed a deep sense of fear and uncertainty about the neighborhood. Known for its vulnerabilities, she noted that issues had escalated since the pandemic began in 2020, doubling the number of individuals experiencing homelessness in the region.

"It's a little sketchy around here… everybody calls it the ghetto,” she admitted, voicing concerns about safety and the behavior of some residents.

Authorities Investigate

The 36-year-old man was transported to a hospital but was later pronounced dead. Fortunately, no officers were injured during the tragic incident. A gun was recovered from the scene, and the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team is now investigating, looking into the circumstances surrounding this fatal encounter.

As the community grapples with the aftermath, residents are left questioning the safety of their surroundings and the ongoing issues that plague their neighborhood.