At approximately 1:56 p.m., the Calgary Police Service (CPS) received a call from a family member of the affected person (AP) who notified CPS that the AP had threatened suicide before leaving in a vehicle.
The AP was located travelling east from the city of Calgary on Highway 564. The AP was followed by the CPS HAWCS helicopter, which captured video of the AP’s vehicle travelling at very excessive speeds and crossing over into oncoming traffic, causing other motorists to take evasive action. CPS engaged the RCMP, who attended the area. Because of the danger posed by the AP’s vehicle, the RCMP decided to deploy a spike belt.
The spike belt brought the AP’s car to a stop on Highway 564, whereupon the AP got out of their car and ran at an RCMP officer with an item in their hand. The AP yelled threats at the RCMP officer while the officer retreated from them. When the AP attempted to enter the RCMP vehicle, the officer fired his conductive energy weapon but failed to stop them. The AP then ran at the officer with the item still in their hand. The officer discharged their firearm, striking the AP and causing them to fall to the ground and drop the item. The interaction was captured by both the HAWCS video as well as recording equipment in the officer’s vehicle.
The AP was treated at the scene and then transported to hospital where they remain receiving treatment.
Item recovered at the scene. (Pen included in photo to provide scale.)
ASIRT’s investigation will examine the use of force by the officer. No additional information will be released.
ASIRT’s mandate is to effectively, independently and objectively investigate incidents involving Alberta’s police that have resulted in serious injury or death to any person, as well as serious or sensitive allegations of police misconduct.
This release is distributed by the Government of Alberta on behalf of the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team.