An independent provincial oversight agency has launched an investigation after police firearms were discharged during a 12-hour standoff in the County of Grande Prairie, Alberta. The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT), which became part of the Police Review Commission in December 2025, is investigating events from Jan. 12, 2026, after a man was injured during his arrest at an industrial park.
The situation began at an industrial shop on 42 Avenue around 6 a.m. when officers attended to look for a man wanted on a warrant and any firearms he might have in his possession. According to reporting in the Daily Herald Tribune, the suspect refused to come out, touching off a lengthy confrontation that led several nearby businesses to evacuate staff.
During the standoff, someone inside the facility allegedly fired at officers six times and police returned fire; ASIRT and the RCMP say the exchange of gunfire resulted in no injuries. The incident concluded about 6:30 p.m. when, according to media reporting and the ASIRT notice, an officer fired an unspecified “impact projectile” that struck the suspect in the face and caused a serious eye injury; the man was taken into custody and a loaded handgun was found on him.
The Grande Prairie RCMP is conducting a separate internal administrative review to examine training and policy compliance, while ASIRT’s independent probe will determine whether any criminal conduct occurred related to the use of force.
No names have been released. Questions about the ongoing investigation have been referred to ASIRT, which issued the media notice on Jan. 19, 2026.
