Calls for ‘thorough investigation’ at vigil for man fatally shot by Edmonton police
Posted July 7, 2024 5:57 pm.
Last Updated July 7, 2024 8:57 pm.
Dozens grief-stricken family members, friends and neighbours gathered for a vigil in Edmonton’s Fraser neighbourhood Saturday, remembering a 28-year man who died after he was shot by police last week.
Those in attendance brought flowers and candles, and stood side by side to honour Mathios Arkangelo. He is being remembered as a loving father, husband and son.
“My heart was broken into pieces the day the (incident happened), even up until now,” a neighbour who attended the vigil told CityNews. “My kids are traumatized, even myself. I was questioning what’s going on. This is a residential area.”
“I’m done… it’s so traumatic,” added another . “When I remember it, I shed tears for the family.”
On June 29, officers responded to the area of 153 Avenue and Anthony Henday Drive after receiving a report that a vehicle had rolled over.
The driver, who according to officer reports was suspected of being impaired, reportedly left the scene on foot. Police say a “confrontation” later took place, at which point an officer shot the man. He was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries, where he died.
An Edmonton couple was on their driveway with their three kids the day of the incident and say they witnessed everything.
“It happened in front of my kids,” the father told CityNews on Sunday. “Sixteen, 14 and eight, and it’s traumatic. We didn’t expect this to happen.”
A video obtained by CityNews shows a man standing in front of a police vehicle. The man appears to show something in his hand to the officer. The man then holds both arms out. When the video resumes, he was later seen on the ground.
The community is now demanding answers.
“His hands were out like this… it’s a sign of surrender,” a neighbour at the vigil said. “He never moved and he was shot, so we’re asking why he should be shot.”
“We’re demanding justice, a thorough investigation, that’s not delayed, that will not be racially biased.”
A GoFundMe page was organized by a family member to assist Arkangelo’s wife and his seven-year old son.
Edmonton police say they cannot provide additional information as the incident is now under an ASIRT investigation.
