By Charles Lefebvre

Petition launched after video emerges of Lethbridge Police officer running over deer

Jan 9, 2019 | 9:50 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB — An online petition has emerged calling for the firing of a Lethbridge Police Officer who was caught on video running over a deer multiple times with a service vehicle.

The video was shot on January 5, and shows the officer running over an injured deer multiple times with a service truck in the 1600 block of Scenic Drive South.

The petition, which can be found here,  has more than 8,700 signatures as of Wednesday morning.

Lethbridge Police Service says the officer, whose identity has not been revealed, will continue with regular duties pending the outcome of the investigation.

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team has launched an investigation into the officer’s actions.

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“While the video publicly released is evidence, which must now be properly secured, it reportedly captures only a portion of the incident,” a statement from the organization reads. “A full, fair and objective investigation must include additional investigative steps to ensure admissible evidence as to what occurred prior to the commencement of the video, the circumstances surrounding the taking of the video and chain of custody, the identification and interview of available witnesses, relevant communications and training, and securing any other evidence that may be relevant to the event.”

ASIRT is working with the Alberta SPCA and Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement with the investigation.

The organization says since the video emerged, ASIRT, the Lethbridge Police Service, the Alberta SPCA, Alberta Fish and Wildlife and the Lethbridge and District Humane Society have been overwhelmed with calls and complaints, resulting in a strain on resources. In the statement, the organization says Lethbridge Police are investigating reported death threats against the officer, which are being investigated.

“We are asking the public to exercise patience to allow the independent investigation by ASIRT to progress without interference,” the Lethbridge Police Service wrote in a statement. “Once the investigation has been completed, ASIRT will report publicly on the matter including a review of the evidence and any determinations made.”

Anyone who has recordings or directly witnessed any part of the incident is asked to contact ASIRT at 403-592-4306.