Police-Involved Shootings and Community Trust in Edmonton

By Karanpal Aujla

March 25, 2025

The Case of Mathios Arkangelo

On June 29, 2024, a 28-year-old man named Mathios Arkangelo was fatally shot by Edmonton police in the Fraser neighbourhood. Police were responding to a single-vehicle rollover when they encountered Arkangelo, reportedly armed with a knife and acting erratically. Moments later, multiple shots were fired. He died at the scene.

Video footage released by his family appears to show Arkangelo with his hands in the air before being shot—raising urgent questions about whether lethal force was justified. The case has sparked protests across the city and a lawsuit against the Edmonton Police Service, alleging a failure to use de-escalation techniques and provide timely medical assistance. (CityNews Edmonton, July 2024).

But this case is not an anomaly. It is the latest in a series of police-involved shootings that continue to test the fragile relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

What the Criminal Code Says About Use of Force

Section 25: Protection of Persons Acting Under Authority

Under section 25(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada, a peace officer is justified in using force in the administration or enforcement of the law provided the force is necessary and proportional:

“Everyone who is required or authorized by law to do anything in the administration or enforcement of the law… is, if he acts on reasonable grounds, justified in doing what he is required or authorized to do and in using as much force as is necessary for that purpose.”

But section 25 is not a blank cheque. When excessive force is used, section 26 comes into play.

Section 26: Criminal Responsibility for Excessive Force

“Everyone who is authorized… to use force is criminally responsible for any excess thereof according to the nature and quality of the act that constitutes the excess.”

In other words, if a police officer goes beyond what is reasonable or necessary, they may be criminally liable for that excess.

Court decisions often guide the legal interpretation of what constitutes “excessive” force—none more relevant than R. v. Nasogaluak [2010 SCC 6], in which the Supreme Court of Canada affirmed that police are not immune from prosecution when they use force that is not justified by the circumstances.

R. v. Nasogaluak, 2010 SCC 6 (CanLII)

The Role of Oversight: ASIRT and Public Confidence

In Alberta, fatal police encounters are investigated by the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT), an independent body tasked with determining whether criminal charges against an officer are warranted.

In Arkangelo’s case, ASIRT has launched an investigation. However, confidence in the effectiveness of this oversight is mixed. Critics argue that:

• Investigations can take months or even years, leaving families and communities without closure.

• The process often lacks public transparency, as findings are not always released in full.

• Most ASIRT investigations end without charges, even in controversial cases.

ASIRT Overview – Government of Alberta

This disconnect has fueled demands for a stronger, more accountable system of civilian oversight—especially in cases involving racialized individuals and mental health crises.

Historical Context: Edmonton’s Pattern of Force

The fatal shooting of Mathios Arkangelo is not an isolated incident. Recent years have seen a series of high-profile police-involved deaths in Edmonton:

• 2018: Tony Koch was shot by police after a standoff on Whyte Avenue. The inquest found the shooting was legally justified but called for better crisis negotiation training.

• 2020: A man in Entwistle was killed by RCMP after allegedly advancing with a weapon. ASIRT cleared the officers but found “missed opportunities” to de-escalate.

• 2023: A fatal shooting in Edmonton’s Ice District led to yet another ASIRT review, which concluded the use of force was consistent with section 25 but emphasized the need for updated training protocols.

Each case adds to the growing perception that Edmonton’s police culture prioritizes control over caution, particularly when dealing with marginalized or mentally vulnerable individuals.

Edmonton Taproot – EPS Use of Force Stats (2022)

When Use of Force Becomes Criminal: A Discussion on Manslaughter

In cases where excessive force results in death, criminal liability under manslaughter provisions may apply. Manslaughter, defined under section 234 of the Criminal Code, applies when death results from an unlawful act that was not intended to kill but did so nonetheless.

In theory, a police officer who uses excessive or unauthorized force resulting in death, could be charged with manslaughter if it’s proven that their actions were grossly negligent or reckless.

To learn more about how manslaughter is treated in Canadian law, see this guide:

Understanding Manslaughter – Criminal Code Help

While criminal charges against officers remain rare in Alberta, the threshold for legal accountability is not impossibly high. The Nasogaluak decision and Criminal Code sections provide the foundation for prosecution when justified.

Rebuilding Trust: Policy, Law, and Community

The loss of life under police authority cuts deeper than legal questions. It affects trust. Legitimacy. The sense that the justice system is fair and equally applied.

For real change, Edmonton’s legal and policing institutions must embrace both accountability and reform. This includes:

• Mandatory use-of-force reporting

• Body-worn cameras with real-time access protocols

• Expanded mobile mental health response teams

• Legally binding timelines for ASIRT investigations

Community groups and city reports, including Edmonton’s own “Safer for All” report (2021), have long called for these measures.

[PDF Download] Safer for All – Community Safety and Well-being Task Force Report

Legal Advice for Victims of Police Misconduct

If you or a family member has been harmed by excessive police force, you may have legal options. These could include:

• Filing a complaint with the Alberta Police Commission

• Launching a civil suit against the police service

• Seeking Charter damages under section 24(1) for violations of rights

• Pursuing criminal charges via private prosecution in rare cases

Each path is complex—and time-sensitive. A criminal defence lawyer can help assess the facts, guide the process, and push for justice when institutions fall short.

Contact Cambria Law

At Cambria Law, we stand with our clients from the first moment they’re accused, arrested, or harmed. Whether you’re seeking justice after a police-involved incident or need representation in a criminal case, we bring decades of courtroom experience and a deep commitment to protecting your rights.