Explanation for gunshots

Photo: Contributed

An RCMP officer was forced to put down a suffering deer alongside Benvoulin Road Sunday night.

Police were called to the scene just before 10 p.m. for a collision involving a vehicle and deer. The car sustained “notable damage” and it’s driver was shaken up, but not injured.

Shortly afterwards, the deer was located in a nearby ditch that was difficult to see from the roadway.

A witness said she saw an officer fire four shots, which drew several people out of a nearby apartment building.

Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey admits the “necessary dispatching of the deer would be disturbing to some,” but notes it was conducted in a safe manner by the officer at the scene.