Matthew Atkinson was shot and killed by RCMP on Dec. 14. Photo: submitted.
Alberta’s Serious Incident Response Team has released more information from an officer involved shooting in Cold Lake last week that took the life of a First Nations man.
The release states that on Dec. 14, at approximately 8:00 p.m., RCMP officers from the Bonnyville detachment responded to the area of 50 Street and 43 Avenue in Cold Lake. A 911 caller had reported an altercation between two males, one of whom had a knife.
“It was later determined that the unarmed male had left the scene and was not injured during this altercation,” the release says.
“Three RCMP officers responded to the area and located a male who matched the description of the armed man provided by the caller. This individual subsequently produced a knife and approached the officers.”
The release goes on to say that one RCMP officer discharged a firearm while another officer discharged a Conducted Energy Weapon (CEW) at the male.
“The male suffered gunshot injuries as a result. EMS arrived shortly afterwards, and the officers assisted with on-site emergency treatment. The male was transported to the hospital by ambulance where he was declared deceased,” the release says.
The man has since been identified as Matthew Atkinson, aka Fabian Skani, 41, of Cold Lake First Nations. The chief of CLFN, Kelsey Jacko, told APTN News Skani was a father of two.
ASIRT says its investigation will examine the use of force by the officers and no additional information will be released.
ASIRT is now working to identify people who may have witnessed aspects of the confrontation between the man and police. ASIRT is asking anyone who may have been in the area and may have witnessed these events and/or may have cell phone or dash cam video to contact investigators at 780-644-1483.
ASIRT investigates incidents involving Alberta’s police that have resulted in serious injury or death, as well as serious or sensitive allegations of police misconduct.
