RCMP Officer Breaks Down After Fatally Shooting Knife-Wielding Man in New Brunswick Domestic Call

An RCMP officer involved in the fatal shooting of a knife-wielding man on the Kingston Peninsula in New Brunswick on New Year’s Eve in 2021 was reportedly devastated when she learned of the man’s death. Constable Monique Sears, who has since retired, was informed of Ryan Nowlan’s passing by her colleague Constable Mike Alward. Alward described it as one of the most difficult things he had ever had to do.

Nowlan, 39, was pronounced dead at the Saint John Regional Hospital shortly after 6 a.m. He had been Tasered and shot twice by police, once in the right shoulder and once in the right abdomen. An investigation conducted by Nova Scotia’s Serious Incident Response Team in May 2022 found no basis for charging the two officers involved, later identified as Sears and Constable Christian Cunningham.

According to a report by the Serious Incident Response Team, Nowlan had assaulted his ex-partner, threatened to burn down their home, and attacked the police officers with a utility knife. The report concluded that the force used by the officers was justified and not excessive.

During the coroner’s inquest into Nowlan’s death, Alward revealed that Sears had asked about Nowlan’s condition after being injured in an altercation with him at his home. Alward struggled to find the right words but eventually told her the truth. Instantly, Sears broke down and became emotional. Fortunately, her husband was present and provided comfort and support.

The inquest, which started on Tuesday at the Saint John Law Courts building, will last for four days. The presiding coroner, Michael Johnston, and a jury composed of three men and two women are gathering evidence from witnesses to determine the facts surrounding Nowlan’s death. The jury will also have the opportunity to make recommendations to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

The tragic events of that night have had a profound impact on all those involved. As the inquest continues, the hope is that a thorough examination of the evidence will shed light on the circumstances surrounding Nowlan’s death and provide closure for those affected by this tragic incident.