Edmonton police chief addresses media following outcry over police shooting

Just days after the family of a 28-year-old man who was shot and killed by an Edmonton police officer spoke out demanding answers, the city’s police chief Dale McFee told media he wishes he could say more while Alberta’s police watchdog investigates.

“Yes, I’d like to say more but unfortunately, that’s the process we have. That said, our process — having been across the country — is probably one of the best,” explained McFee.

Meeting virtually for an Edmonton Police Commission meeting Thursday afternoon, the Edmonton police chief admitted he can’t comment much on the officer-involved shooting that happened at the end of June in northeast Edmonton, at least not while the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team Investigates.

Video shows 28-year-old Mathios Arkangelo — who police claim was impaired and holding a knife — holding his hands in the air when he was shot by an EPS officer several feet away.

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Family of man killed by officer demands answers from Edmonton police

Family of 28-year-old Mathios Arkangelo demands answers from Edmonton police after he was shot and killed by an officer on June 29. Hiba Kamal-Choufi reports.

A lawyer for Arkengelo’s family alleges CPR wasn’t performed and the victim was not rushed to hospital. The family also says they haven’t received information from investigators.

Thursday afternoon, McFee acknowledged the frustration with a lengthy investigation but stressed to respect the process.

“From a transparent nature, and it’s out of your hands, certainly, you hope that it goes quicker but at the same time, you don’t want to jeopardize the quality of such a serious incident like this by going too quickly too,” he explained.

With seven officer-involved shootings involving Edmonton police this year — including two that were fatal — Edmonton’s police chief has this warning.

“We want to make sure that people get the message that when we’re there, follow commands and at the same time, our officers need to proceed with as much information as they can with these calls.”