Suspended sentence and probation for man charged in officer involved shooting in Ponoka

A suspended sentence and 18 months of probation have been given to a man charged in an officer involved shooting in Ponoka last year.

West Thomas Aldridge, 41, of Ponoka, was also issued a 10-year firearm prohibition following his sentencing in Ponoka Court of Justice on Aug. 4, 2023. The suspended sentence results in Aldridge receiving a criminal record but does not involve incarceration.

Aldridge was arrested and charged with possession of a weapon for a purpose dangerous to the public peace on May 19, 2022.

It was on Feb. 10, 2022 at approximately 9:35 a.m., when Ponoka RCMP received a report of an armed individual approaching the Ponoka RCMP Detachment holding a weapon. Mounties say a confrontation occurred between the suspect and an officer, during which the officer discharged their service weapon.