Monday, August 1st will be a day hundreds of Albertans will never forget.  The hail storm that devastated an area of Central Alberta resulted in a series of terrifying experiences for motorists on the QE II, especially around Antler Hill, just north of Innisfail. This is a map of the area most affected by the largest hail stones most have seen in their lifetimes.

Yes we’ve all heard people talk about “baseball” or “tennis ball” sized hail in the past.  In this case, those comparisons are simply too small!

Now you can imagine how terrifying it must have been to be caught driving on the QE II south of Red Deer and north of Innisfail during this storm on Monday, August 1st.  Here’s what that felt like, courtesy of Gibran Marquez as posted on the Facebook Page Alberta Storm Reports

This couple was remarkably calm considering the battering they were experiencing!

The immediate aftermath.

News release from ASIRT (Alberta Serious Incident Response Team)

Investigation into Stettler RCMP officer-involved shooting causing injury continues

On July 24, the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) was directed to investigate an officer-involved shooting that occurred earlier that day.

At 10:14 p.m., the Stettler Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) detachment received a report of a disturbance in the area of 58 Street and 50A Avenue. When officers arrived in the area, they were flagged down by a female who said she had been threatened by a man with an axe.

Officers located the man in a nearby alley and confronted him. During this time, one officer discharged his conducted energy weapon and another discharged his firearm, striking the man. Emergency Medical Services arrived and provided the man with medical care. He was then transported by STARS Air Ambulance to an Edmonton-area hospital, and released the next day.

Two weapons were recovered from the scene

Knife recovered from scene

ASIRT’s investigation will examine the circumstances surrounding the uses of force. No additional information will be released.

As part of its ongoing investigation, ASIRT is continuing efforts to identify people who may have observed the man or witnessed aspects of the confrontation between the man and police. ASIRT is asking anyone who may have been in the area and may have witnessed these events and/or may have video to contact investigators at 403-592-4306.

ASIRT’s mandate is to effectively, independently and objectively investigate incidents involving Alberta’s police that have resulted in serious injury or death to any person, as well as serious or sensitive allegations of police misconduct.