No Charges Against Summerside Police Officers in Fatal Shooting

  The investigation led officers to a residence in Summerside, where one suspect was arrested outside and provided first aid for injuries sustained during the arrest.

Officers then entered the home with their firearms drawn and located two men sleeping inside. They continued searching the house for Jeremy Stephens, who was believed to be involved in the robbery.

Confrontation in a Dark Basement

Police eventually entered a basement described as dark, unfinished, and heavily cluttered. Visibility was extremely poor due to a planned city-wide power outage, combined with small covered windows that prevented natural light. Officers relied on small flashlights to navigate the space.

After calling out for Stephens with no response, an officer located him and ordered him to show his hands. Stephens did not comply. Instead, he repeatedly told officers to “kill him,” broke the arm off a nearby chair, and advanced toward an officer while holding it as a weapon.

Despite repeated commands to drop the object, Stephens continued moving closer. One officer fired a shot while backing up, striking Stephens. He still refused to comply, picked up a golf club, and swung it at an officer’s head—missing by less than a foot.

Officers then discharged additional rounds. Stephens reportedly said, “I’m hit, I’m done,” before falling to the ground.

Immediate First Aid and Medical Transport

Once Stephens was subdued and handcuffed, officers immediately began providing first aid. One officer used his duty belt as a tourniquet to control bleeding from a leg wound.

Situations like this highlight why CPR, AED use, and bleeding control training are critical skills for both first responders and the public. Calgary residents can learn these lifesaving skills through Calgary First Aid’s CPR and AED training courses.

Police initially attempted to carry Stephens out of the basement, but he insisted on walking on his own. He walked to the police vehicle without assistance. Although an ambulance was called, it was more than 20 minutes away. Due to the seriousness of his injuries, officers transported Stephens directly to Prince County Hospital in a police vehicle.

Upon arrival, Stephens exited the vehicle on his own and laid down on a waiting stretcher. Despite medical treatment, he died just over seven hours later.

Investigation Findings

The SIRT report noted that police were aware Stephens had been armed with a knife during the motel robbery and had held it to a victim’s throat. A toxicology report later confirmed the presence of THC, amphetamine, and high levels of methamphetamine—substances known to contribute to aggressive and irrational behaviour.

The investigation concluded that officers reasonably believed they were facing a risk of death or grievous bodily harm. As a result, no criminal charges were laid, and the officers’ actions were found to be justified under the law.