RCMP calls in Quebec bureau to head police shooting investigation
EDMUNDSTON, New Brunswick — The RCMP of New Brunswick has requested the assistance of a Quebec bureau in the investigation of a June 4 incident involving an Edmundston police officer and a female allegedly wielding a knife.
Following a request for assistance from the RCMP, Quebec’s Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes has agreed to take over an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, stated a press release from the bureau.
The incident occurred in Edmundston on June 4 when a 26-year-old civilian from British Columbia died during a police intervention by the Edmundston Police Force.
Inspector Steve Robinson of the Edmundston Police Force said in a June 4 press statement that around 2:30 a.m. that morning, the force received a request to check on the well-being of a woman at an apartment building on Canada Road in Edmundston.
Robinson said the responding police officer was confronted at the scene by a woman holding a knife and making threats. The officer discharged a firearm. Although attempts were made to resuscitate the woman, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
The bureau’s statement said, “Preliminary information provided to the BEI suggests the following: At approximately 2:30 a.m. on June 4, a call was made to the Edmundston Police Force to verify the health [well-being] of a person, in a dwelling; police officers reportedly went to the scene; one of them was reportedly confronted by a civilian, who was reportedly armed with a knife and was reportedly threatening; the policeman would have fired and would have reached the woman. Resuscitation efforts would have been carried out, but to no avail.”
The investigation will allow the bureau to determine if the above information is correct.
Eight investigators have been assigned to the incident, said the bureau. Their estimated time of arrival in Edmundston is at 11 p.m. on Friday, June 5.
The RCMP will assist the bureau in the investigation, acting as a supporting police force.
The bureau asked anyone who may have witnessed the event to contact them via their website at www.bei.gouv.qc.ca.
A CBC News report identified the deceased as Chantel Moore of Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation in British Columbia, and said First Nation leaders in British Columbia have expressed outrage and condemned the police action.
Sgt. Martin Perron, president of the Edmundston Police and Dispatchers Association, issued a statement on June 6 that said in part, “EPDA members would first like to offer their sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Chantel Moore. It is a tragic and difficult situation for all parties involved.
“…Faced with this incident, we fully support the ongoing independent investigation into the action of one of our members. We will await the outcome of the investigation before providing further comments.”