A Ponoka man who was charged in relation to an officer-involved shooting last year has been given 18 months of months of probation and a conviction on his criminal record.
West Thomas Aldridge, 41, was given a suspended sentence as well as a 10-year firearms prohibition at the Ponoka Court of Justice on Aug. 4.
A suspended sentence is when an accused is convicted of a criminal offence but the judge defers sentencing, releasing the individual on conditions set out in a probation order. (legalaid.on.ca)
On Feb. 10, 2021, RCMP received reports of an agitated male, seemingly waving a handgun in the air as he approached the Ponoka RCMP detachment. The man was then seen near the Ponoka courthouse.
A confrontation between Aldridge and officers occurred near the court house, in which an officer’s service weapon was discharged and Aldridge was injured. He was treated by officers until EMS arrived and then was air lifted by STARS with critical injuries.
An imitation handgun was located at the scene.
In May 2022, Aldridge was arrested and charged with possession of a weapon for a purpose dangerous to the public peace.
The Alberta Serious Response Team (ASIRT) confirmed it is still investigating the incident.
ASIRT investigates incidents involving Alberta’s police that result in serious injury or death, as well as allegations of police misconduct.
READ MORE: Ponoka RCMP release name of suspect in officer-involved shooting near courthouse
Aldridge was previously charged with assaulting a police officer and was sentenced in 2020, to 120 days in jail and one year of probation. Another charge was withdrawn.
