ASIRT Investigation Continues Into RCMP OfficerInvolved Shooting Causing Injury In Vermilion

Lorna Hamilton

Reporter

According to a release on March 8 from Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) it has been concluded that on March 1 at approximately 3:15 p.m. the Vermilion RCMP assisted EMS in transporting a 33-year-old male to the Vermilion Health Centre.

Around 10 p.m. an RCMP officer accompanied the male outside the centre to smoke a cigarette. Upon re-entering the health centre, the man grabbed a fire extinguisher from the wall and engaged in a confrontation with the RCMP officer.

In response to the altercation, the offi -

Lorna Hamilton

Reporter cer discharged his firearm, striking the man. The man was given medical attention and transported to a hospital in Edmonton by STARS, where he remains receiving treatment.

ASIRT was directed to investigate the officer-involved shooting.

On March 2 the Health Care Centre was contacted for comment and was directed to Alberta Health Services (AHS) media communications team where James Woods, Director, Media Relations & Issues Management commented that AHS takes the matter of safety in their healthcare spaces very seriously, and are committed to provid - ing safe environments for their patients and families, physicians, staff and volunteers.

“We are reviewing this incident, and cooperating fully with the RCMP and their investigation,” said Woods.

Woods also explained that all sites have Code White Plans in place in the event of violence or aggression which creates an immediate threat to safety.

“All front-line staff receive training in AHS’ policies and procedures for harassment and violence prevention and response. Staff is provided with additional training based on their role. Thousands have received Nonvi - olent Crisis Intervention (NCI) ® training to help them prevent, intervene or de-escalate a crisis situation safely and effectively,” said Woods.

According to the updated release from ASIRT, they will continue their investigation and will examine the use of force by the officer, and no additional information will be released.

ASIRT’s mandate is to effectively, independently and objectively investigate incidents involving Alberta’s police that have resulted in serious injury or death to any person, as well as serious or sensitive allegations of police misconduct.

DB-Delicious Bites Opening Soon

Vermilion will soon have the opportunity to try out and enjoy a new restaurant.

The Pandey family, Bishnu, Divina, and their 5-year-old son Rayce Alexander moved to Vermilion from Saskatchewan to own and operate their family-style restaurant, where they are currently completing some renovations and set up in the former Hubkins Restaurant building.

Bishnu is no stranger to the restaurant world and completed his training to become a chef more than 25 years ago in Dubai, and is originally from Nepal. Throughout his career, Bishnu has worked at many prestigious restaurants in Dubai, Saskatchewan, and Calgary. Before relocating to Vermilion Bishnu and his family lived in Saskatchewan and operated a restaurant during the pandemic and commented that he has always wanted to open and operate his own restaurant.

“I had been looking for somewhere to start my own restaurant and I wanted it to be in a town that wasn’t too small but also not too big and I wanted it to be in Alberta,” commented Bishnu. “When I saw this location it stuck with me and I just knew this is where I wanted to open the restaurant and live with my family.”

For Bishnu location was very impor tant, as the town had to seem friendly, and have a great school system for his son.

“I feel we have found that here in Vermilion and I am very excited to get the restaurant up and running. I have many ideas that I would like to do with the space later on down the road.” “I am very hands-on when it comes to our patrons. I like to talk with them to get feedback on their experience at the restaurant and the menu items. I want everyone to have the best experience,” commented Bishnu.

DB-Delicious Bites is located at 5004 50 Avenue will be opening its doors on