The Alberta Serious Response Team (ASIRT) is investigating whether the use of force during an arrest was appropriate after two individuals were apprehended in Maskwacis on March 26. The two suspects were charged with multiple firearms offences.
On March 26, Maskwacis RCMP received a complaint of two individuals discharging a firearm in the Samson town site. Officers were able to quickly locate and arrest two individuals. They seized a loaded sawed off shotgun as well as a loaded sawed off .22 rifle.
As a result of the investigation, RCMP have charged both Kyle Dean Lightning, 28, of Maskwacis and Barry Junior Saddleback, 18, of Maskwacis with five firearms offences and resisting arrest. Both individuals have been released with court set for April 14 at the Wetaskiwin Provincial Court House.
During the arrest, one suspect sustained injuries for which he was treated by EMS and released. As a result of an regular internal review into the arrest, RCMP have advised ASIRT will be initiating an investigation.
ASIRT has been directed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the actions of the police during this investigation.
Independent of ASIRT’s investigation, the Alberta RCMP’s internal review process has been implemented to gather a full account of what took place during this incident. RCMP training, policy, police response, and the duty status of the members involved will be subject to review.