Edmonton Police Officer Cleared in Fatal 2017 Traffic Stop Shooting
An Edmonton police officer involved in a fatal traffic stop shooting in 2017 has been officially cleared of any wrongdoing following a detailed investigation by the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT).
The incident resulted in the death of Vitaly Savin, 55, who was shot during a confrontation with police in southwest Edmonton on March 9, 2017. ASIRT released its findings in October 2018, concluding that the officer’s actions were justified under the circumstances. Details of the investigation were originally reported by the Edmonton Journal and can be read.
👉 Edmonton police officer cleared in 2017 fatal traffic stop shooting
ASIRT Investigation Findings
According to ASIRT executive director Susan Hughson, the evidence showed that Savin’s actions posed a real and immediate risk of death to the officer.
Despite the danger, the officer attempted to save Savin’s life by performing CPR immediately after the shooting until additional officers arrived—highlighting how critical life-saving skills can be during sudden emergencies. Situations like this reinforce the importance of proper CPR and AED training, which equips individuals to act confidently when seconds matter. Learn more about CPR training options at Calgary First Aid:
👉 https://firstaidcalgary.ca/cpr-courses/
What Happened
The incident began around 1:30 p.m., when police received multiple 911 calls reporting a minivan driving erratically near 149 Street and the Whitemud Freeway entrance. Witnesses reported the vehicle struck a curb and snowbank, swerved across lanes, and nearly collided with other vehicles.
The minivan later turned into a residential neighbourhood in southwest Edmonton, where a lone Edmonton police officer initiated a traffic stop. After exiting their vehicles, the officer—identified as a six-year veteran—determined Savin appeared highly intoxicated and informed him he was under arrest for impaired driving.
The situation escalated rapidly. When asked to show his hands, Savin produced a 10-inch hunting knife. As the officer backed away, he slipped on the snow-covered roadway. Savin fell on top of him and then advanced again, prompting the officer to fire four shots. Only 74 seconds passed between the initial stop and the shooting.
Immediately afterward, the officer attempted life-saving CPR until backup arrived.
ASIRT ultimately determined the officer’s use of force was reasonable, lawful, and necessary to protect his life.
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