RCMP Officer Breaks Down upon Learning of Ryan Nowlan’s Death in Fatal Shooting during Domestic Call

Accident – Death – Obituary News : One of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officers involved in the fatal shooting of a knife-wielding man on the Kingston Peninsula on New Year’s Eve in 2021 was reportedly devastated upon learning of the man’s death, according to a fellow officer. Hampton Constable Mike Alward revealed during a coroner’s inquest that he was the one who informed now-retired Constable Monique Sears about Ryan Nowlan’s demise.

Alward described the experience as one of the most challenging tasks he had ever faced as a colleague. He stated, “It was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do with a coworker was to tell her that unfortunately, Ryan was no longer with us.” Nowlan, 39, was pronounced dead at the Saint John Regional Hospital shortly after 6 a.m. The jury heard that he had been Tasered and shot twice by the police, sustaining injuries to his right shoulder and abdomen.

An investigation conducted by an independent police watchdog agency in May 2022 found no grounds to lay charges against the two officers involved, now identified as Sears and Constable Christian Cunningham. Nowlan, who was not publicly named at the time, had assaulted his ex-partner, threatened to burn down their home, and attacked the police while armed with a utility knife, according to a report by Nova Scotia’s Serious Incident Response Team. The investigation concluded that the force used by the officers was justified and not excessive.

During the inquest, it was revealed that Sears, who had sustained injuries during an altercation with Nowlan at his residence on Kiersteadville Road, had expressed concern about his well-being. Alward shared, “So I took a deep breath and I said, ‘Monique, why don’t we wait and I’ll check in on you a little bit later?’ She goes, ‘No, I need to know now, I need peace of mind. I want to know how he’s making out, how he’s doing.'” Alward struggled to find the right words, and when he informed her about Nowlan’s death, she immediately broke down and became emotional.

Alward expressed gratitude that Sears’ husband was present to support her during this difficult time. He stated, “He took care of her and just consoled her.” The inquest into Nowlan’s death was announced last Friday and commenced on Tuesday at the Saint John Law Courts building. Presiding coroner Michael Johnston and a jury consisting of three men and two women are publicly hearing evidence from witnesses to establish the facts surrounding Nowlan’s demise. Additionally, the jury will have the opportunity to make recommendations aimed at preventing similar deaths in the future.

The inquest, which began with testimonies from Nowlan’s ex-partner, three Mounties, and two paramedics, is set to continue on Wednesday. It is scheduled to last for four days, providing a comprehensive examination of the circumstances surrounding Nowlan’s tragic death..