“Steven Nguyen’s family expresses disappointment in the outcome of the investigation conducted by the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) following his tragic death in June 2021. Despite determining that there were reasonable grounds to believe an offense had occurred, ASIRT decided not to lay charges against the officers involved in the shooting.
The ASIRT report revealed that Nguyen was holding a cell phone when he was shot multiple times by a police officer. This revelation has left his family devastated and questioning the actions that led to his untimely death.
The Tragic Night and Fatal Encounter
On the night of the incident, Const. Alex Doduk and another Edmonton police officer responded to a call about a suspicious person reportedly holding a weapon. The officers claimed that upon arrival, they observed Nguyen carrying a bag with an item that appeared to have a handle sticking out of his pocket. Doduk stated in a written report provided to ASIRT that he fired his weapon after Nguyen pulled out what he thought was a gun and pointed it at them.
“He was a father. He was a son,” expressed Nguyen’s sister, Melisa Solano. “He was somebody to somebody. He was an uncle. And what happened to him was not right. It was not fair.”
The Aftermath and Legal Actions
ASIRT indicated that there were reasonable grounds to suspect an offense in the incident and sought advice from Crown prosecutors regarding the possibility of laying culpable homicide charges. However, the prosecution service did not recommend charges, stating that the actions of the involved officer could not be proven as criminal.
Despite the lack of criminal charges, Nguyen’s family has decided to file a lawsuit against the officers and the Edmonton Police Service. Their lawyer, Samantha Labahn, criticized the decision not to prosecute, calling it ‘perverse’ and ‘baffling.’
In response, the EPS expressed condolences to the family and acknowledged the impact of the incident on all parties involved. The EPS Professional Standards Branch will conduct an investigation following the conclusion of ASIRT proceedings.
Looking Ahead
As the legal process unfolds, questions persist about the circumstances leading to Nguyen’s tragic death and the accountability of the officers involved. While the road to justice may be long and arduous, it is essential to seek transparency, accountability, and reforms to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The case of Steven Nguyen highlights the complexities and challenges surrounding police accountability and justice in cases of officer-involved shootings. As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, it serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding accountability and ensuring that all lives are valued and protected.”
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