Fatal shooting prompts reviews by RCMP, Alberta

RCMP and Alberta are set to conduct a review following the death of Const. David Wynn.

Wynn, 42, died in hospital on Wednesday morning, four days after he was shot in the head while responding to a call at a casino in St. Albert, Alta., just outside of Edmonton. The father of three never regained consciousness. Auxiliary Const. Derek Bond, 49, was also shot , but the injuries were non-life-threatening and is expected to make a full recovery. As per reports,the officers were shot by Shawn Rehn, 34, who was tracked to an unoccupied rural home east of St. Albert. Police found Rehn’s body inside the home.Rehn had a lengthy criminal record, which prompted RCMP Commissioner BobPaulson to wonder if it “was reasonable for this man to be walking around this.”The RCMP intend to review their interactions with Rehn to see if anything could have been done to keep the career criminal off the streets, diverting him from the path that eventually led to the shooting of the officers.”We’re very concerned about the fact that an individual with his criminal history came into contact with our officers,” said Assistant Commissioner Marlin Degrand.

The review will be completed by behavioural science experts in the major crimes unit, he said.Alberta Justice Minister Jonathan Denis told a news conference in Calgary that he has similar questions and has also ordered a review. “I have directed Alberta’s deputy attorney general to review any involvement of the Alberta Crown prosecution service that they had leading up to this incident with a view to determining if any processes could be changed to prevent a repeat of this tragic, unfortunate and needless crime,” he said at a press conference.
The fatality review board will determine if a fatality inquiry should take place. Denis said it will likely take place soon.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued a statement after learning of Wynn’s death. “On behalf of all Canadians, Laureen and I offer our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of RCMP Const. David Wynn who died in the line of duty after being shot in St. Albert,” he said.“Our thoughts and prayers are also with Auxiliary Constable Derek Bond who was seriously injured in the attack. We wish him a full and speedy recovery,” he added.

Alberta Premier Jim Prentice also offered his condolences to Wynn’s family, friends and colleagues.”We all try to serve Alberta in different ways,” he said. “But there are people, our police officers included, who put their lives on the line for all of us. And I just think it needs to be said today. So our hearts go out to the family and the friends.May his family and friends gather strength and find solace in the outpouring of support from citizens across our province and across our country, as together we grieve for our fallen Canadian hero,” he said in a statement.