Const. David Wynn's fatal shooting prompts reviews by RCMP, Alberta

RCMP and the province will each conduct a review following the death of Const. David Wynn.

Wynn, 42, died in hospital Wednesday morning, four days after he was shot in the head while responding to a call at a casino in St. Albert, Alta., just outside of Edmonton. The father of three never regained consciousness.

Auxiliary Const. Derek Bond, 49, was also shot Saturday, but the injuries were non-life-threatening and is expected tomake a full recovery.

• Shootings of David Wynn, Derek Bond sparked by routine licence plate check
• Shawn Rehn, alleged shooter of St. Albert Mounties, had history of crime, drug use
• David Wynn 'not expected to survive' after St. Albert, Alta., shooting

Police say the officers were shot by Shawn Rehn, 34, who was trackedeast of St. Albert. Security footage captured by the St. Albert Gazette allegedly shows RCMP in pursuit of Rehn as he fled from the Apex Casino.

Police found Rehns body inside an unoccupied rural home.

Rehn had a lengthy criminal record, which prompted RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson to wonder if it "was reasonable for this man to be walking around this."

The RCMP intend to review their interactions with Rehn to see if anything could have been done to keep the career criminal off the streets, diverting him from the path that eventually led to the shooting of the officers.

"We're very concerned about the fact that an individual with his criminal history came into contact with our officers," said AssistantCommissioner Marlin Degrand.

The review will be completed by behavioural science experts in the major crimes unit, he said.

Alberta Justice Minister Jonathan Denis told a news conference in Calgary that he has similar questions and has also ordered a review.

"I have directed Alberta's deputy attorney general to review any involvement of the Alberta Crown prosecution service that they had leading up to this incident with a view to determining if any processes could be changed to prevent a repeat of this tragic, unfortunate and needless crime," he said at a press conference Wednesday.

The fatality review board will determine if a fatality inquiry should take place. Denis said it will likely take place soon.

Denis said that he met with Paulson on Sunday night, after the commissioner made his remarks in a news conference.

Denis said all the facts need to be gathered before coming to any conclusions.

"The justice system could always be improved," he said

Prime minister, premier offer condolences

The RCMP say they've received an outpouring of support since Wynn and Bond were shot.

"Not only the citizens of St. Albert of course, but all across Alberta and Canada and from our colleagues in law enforcement," saidDegrand at a news conference Wednesday.

The RCMP planto hold a regimental funeral for Wynnon Jan. 26 at ServusPlace in St. Albert.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued a statement after learning of Wynns death on Wednesday.

On behalf of all Canadians, Laureen and I offer our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of RCMP Const. David Wynn who died in the line of duty after being shot in St. Albert," he said.

Our thoughts and prayers are also with Auxiliary Constable Derek Bond who was seriously injured in the attack. We wish him a full and speedy recovery."

Alberta Premier Jim Prentice also offered his condolences to Wynn's family, friends and colleagues while speaking on CBC Radio's Alberta at Noon on Wednesday.

"We all try to serve Alberta in different ways," he said. "But there are people, our police officers included, who put their lives on the line for all of us. And I just think it needs to be said today. So our hearts go out to the family and the friends."

"May his family and friends gather strength and find solace in the outpouring of support from citizens across our province and across our country, as together we grieve for our fallen Canadian hero," he said in a statement.

St. Albert Mayor Nolan Crouse also extended his condolences to Wynns family on behalf of city council and residents.

Const. Wynn paid the ultimate price in the protection of society, Crouse told CBC News. Const. Wynn wears the uniform so the rest of us dont have to.

Flags outside the St. Albert RCMP detachment were lowered to half-mast. CBC reporter John Archer said drivers were honking their horns as they passed by.

The City of St. Albert will have a memorial book available in the city hall lobby for residents to sign.

Joining RCMP a lifelong dream

Wynn worked as a paramedic in Bridgewater, N.S., for years. He was one of the emergency workers who responded to the crash of Swissair Flight 111 off Peggys Cove in September 1998.

Wynn fulfilled a lifelong dream by joining the RCMP in 2009.

Deputy Commissioner Marianne Ryan told CBC News on Tuesday that Wynn and Bond encountered Rehn after checking licence plates in the parking lot of the Apex Casino.

Wynn was suspicious about a plate that didn't match the truck it was attached to. Both officers identified the suspect after reviewing security footage.

They encountered Rehn on their way out of the building. That's when he pulled a gun and fired two shots, striking Wynn in the head, Ryan said.

On Wednesday Degrand revealed for the first time that a third officer was at the casino helping Wynn and Bond. He had remained outside of the building waiting for the officers to return.