Man shot by Edmonton police says officer had no reason to shoot him
An Edmonton man shot by police nearly a month ago remains in hospital under 24-hour police guard, although no criminal charges have been laid against him.
Now the 35-year-old man has agreed to be identified.
Through his lawyer, Bradley Ladouceur claims the officer had no reason to shoot him.
On March 30, Edmonton police said officers were following a male suspect who was driving erratically through a northeast Edmonton industrial area. They said Ladouceur was being investigated for potential threats against the Edmonton Police Service, and was also wanted on an outstanding provincial warrant and was being arrested for two breaches.
Court records do not reveal any outstanding provincial warrant. To date, he has not been charged with any breaches.
EPS claimed the man abandoned his Chevy Impala near 128th Avenue and 54th Street and tried to run away. A police news release dated March 30 stated he failed to follow police commands, leading to a confrontation that "ultimately resulted in an officer discharging his service weapon, striking the suspect."
Police never identified the man who was shot.
Now through his lawyer, Ladouceur claims he was unarmed at the time of the shooting. The written statement from Samantha Labahn said, "He was shot by an officer in plain clothes. In his view, the police had no reason to shoot him."
According to Labahn, Ladouceur remains in the Royal Alexandra Hospital in relatively stable condition under 24-hour police guard. The lawyer said he will be willing to provide more details "once he confirms he is not in criminal jeopardy."
Shooting victim charged in two other cases
Even though no charges have been laid against Ladouceur since the shooting, court documents reveal he faces a number of serious charges stemming from an incident last October.
He is supposed to appear in court Friday to enter pleas in two 2016 cases.
Ladouceur is charged with assault with a weapon, pointing a firearm and threats causing death or bodily harm. The offence date is October 26. He's also facing five firearm-related charges in an incident that dates back to December 20.
The Edmonton police officer who shot Ladouceur remains on administrative leave. The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team continues to investigate the officer's actions.
An Edmonton police spokesperson said charges against Ladouceur are pending.
