Initial investigation into the shooting death of an Okotoks town councillor’s husband reveals he was carrying an umbrella, not a gun, when he was shot.
Clifton Purvis of the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) indicated that the man, identified as Corey Lewis, husband of Okotoks town councillor, Naydene Lewis, rushed out of the Alcock St. home with a dark umbrella, three-feet in length, with a silver tip.
Police had been called to the home around 7:30 p.m. Saturday night to reports of a man who had allegedly struck a teen male. Responding officers said they were threatened by a man with a shotgun, who later retreated back into the home.
After attempts at communication with the man, early information indicated the man exited the home with an object around 2 a.m., believed at the time to be a gun, at which time he was shot
According to the investigation, he knelt on one knee and held the gun to his chin, at which point a firearm was discharged six times. It is not known at this time how many bullets hit Lewis, as an autopsy has not been completed, said Purvis.
Purvis also indicated that the incident may have been an intended suicide, as ‘written material’ was found inside the home.
“We’re going to investigate this thoroughly and extensively,” said Purvis.
Purvis said the investigation will center around whether the use of force was justified.
