(UPDATE) Saint John Police requests SiRT investigation of Officer-Involved Shooting
File: 23-6453/ 23-6454
Update: June 07, 2024, 10:14 a.m.
As a result of an independent investigation conducted by the Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT), it has been determined that the evidence indicates there are no reasonable grounds to believe that the subject officers committed a criminal offence in connection with the incident that occurred in the 100-block of Mecklenburg Street on Thursday, October 5, 2023, at approximately 4:36 p.m.
The Saint John Police appreciates the SiRT for their professionalism and diligence in their investigation. We remain committed to the highest standards of accountability, professionalism, and transparency to maintain public trust and confidence.
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UPDATE: Friday, October 6, 2023, 2:53 p.m.
The Saint John Police Major Crime Unit is conducting a criminal investigation into the actions of the suspect prior to police involvement. As a result, on Friday, October 6, 2023, the 46-year-old accused appeared before the provincial court via telecommunications charged with the following 16 offences:
Assaulting a peace officer with a firearm
Obstructing a peace officer
Use of a firearm while committing an offence
Pointing a firearm x 4 counts
Assault with a weapon x 3 counts
Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose
Carrying a concealed weapon
Possession of a firearm while prohibited
Mischief under $5000.00 x 2 counts
Breach of a probation order
The accused remains in custody and is scheduled to appear before the provincial court again on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, for election and a bail hearing.
Based on our understanding of the preliminary facts, both Saint John Police officers remain on active duty. The Saint John Police continues to fully cooperate with SiRT as their investigation progresses.
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On Thursday, October 5, 2023, at approximately 4:36 p.m., officers responded to a report that a man was armed with a gun causing damage to property in the 100-block of Mecklenburg Street.
On arrival, an officer was confronted by the armed suspect who failed to comply with the officers’ commands. As a result, the officer then discharged his firearm at the suspect and another officer also used force to stop the threat of violence towards themselves and the public.
The officers then immediately rendered aid to the suspect at the scene until paramedics arrived and transported the 46-year-old suspect to hospital where he remains with non-life-threatening injuries.
No one else was injured during the incident. The Saint John Police are fully cooperating with the Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT) who have assumed responsibility of the investigation.
SiRT is an investigative agency, independent of the police, whose mandate is to investigate matters that involve death, serious injury, sexual assault and domestic violence or other matters of significant public interest that may have arisen from the actions of any police officer.
Any media inquiries can be directed to the Serious Incident Response Team.
Investigators are appealing for witnesses or anyone in the area that has video footage of the incident at the time it occurred.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Saint John Police Force at 1-506-648-3333, or if you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or 1-800-222-T.I.P.S. All information will be shared with SiRT as part of their investigation.