The family of an Elsipogtog First Nation man fatally shot by police says officers used excessive force.
Steven (Iggy) Dedam was shot and killed by a New Brunswick RCMP officer on Sunday evening.
RCMP said they had responded to a report of a man in mental distress with a weapon at a residence.
“During the response, the man refused to drop his weapon and would not cooperate with police,” police said in a news release.
The Serious Incident Response Team, which is now investigating, said an officer discharged a taser but was ineffective.
A second officer fired their gun and struck Dedam, who later died from his injuries in the hospital.
But family members of Dedam claim police did not wait for the taser to work before shooting him.
They also said police failed to acknowledge that officers were called to the scene for a wellness check.
Assistant Commissioner DeAnna Hill, commanding officer of the New Brunswick RCMP, issued a statement late Thursday.
“I want to clarify that information circulating that this call was a wellness check is inaccurate,” said Hill, adding the call involved a “suicidal male armed with a weapon.”
Hill said she is focused on fully cooperating with the independent investigation, ensuring public safety in Elsipogtog and supporting the community through their loss.
