ASIRT completes investigation into use of force by Leduc RCMP officers

LEDUC -- Alberta's police watchdog has cleared two Leduc RCMP officers of any wrongdoing following an investigation into an incident from January.

The investigation conducted by the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) examined the two officers' use of force in relation to an arrest that occurred on Jan. 18, 2026. The officers were called to a home in Leduc at approximately 9:00 p.m. after getting reports that a man had assaulted two of his neighbours. 

The ASIRT report specifies that the two officers arrived at the suspect's home a short time later and attempted to place him under arrest. However, the male, who was noted as being intoxicated at the time, denied that he was under arrest and refused to allow the officers to place him in handcuffs. A struggle then ensued between the two officers and the suspect.

During the struggle, it's noted that the first officer delivered several punches to the man's torso and several knee strikes to his rib area, while the second officer delivered several strikes to the man's face. After approximately one minute, the report states that the officers were able to roll the suspect onto his stomach and secure him in handcuffs.

The officers transported the male to the Leduc RCMP detachment, arriving at 10:12 p.m. Upon arrival, he had a bloody nose and significant swelling to his right eye. EMS arrived at the detachment a few minutes later. Although the man initially declined medical treatment, he subsequently agreed to be transported to hospital for further assessment. 

The ASIRT ruling determined that the two officers' force used during the arrest was "necessary and proportionate" to the threat presented by the suspect and to the officers' need to gain control of him. It's noted in their findings that the man was of sufficient size and strength, and that both officers were required to restrain him on the ground. While continuing to resist, ASIRT says that he only appeared prepared to cooperate after a young female, believed to be his daughter, repeatedly urged him to calm down and comply with the officers.

"The force used was reasonable, proportionate, and necessary in the circumstances and was directed toward gaining and maintaining control of an actively resistant individual who was lawfully under arrest," reads the report. "There is no evidence that either officer used more force than was reasonably necessary to accomplish that objective."

Under s. 25 of the Criminal Code, police officers are permitted to use as much force as is necessary for the execution of their duties.