A police officer was shot during a traffic stop in Calgary on Monday morning, and the suspect was later found dead after a chaotic chase through Edworthy Park. The incident began around 11:45 a.m. when officers stopped a black truck in the Spruce Cliff neighborhood. During the stop, the suspect exited the vehicle and allegedly began firing a handgun, hitting the officer multiple times before fleeing into a wooded area of the park.
Calgary Police Chief Katie McLellan described the situation as highly dynamic, stating, “This incident began as a traffic stop and changed in an instant.” Following the shooting, a major crime response was initiated, resulting in additional officers, tactical units, canine units, and the HAWCS helicopter being deployed to the scene.
The HAWCS helicopter tracked the fleeing suspect and relayed information to officers on the ground. Reports indicated that as the suspect continued to flee, he was firing at police officers and other individuals present in the area, prompting some officers to return fire. Chief McLellan noted that the suspect was even shooting at the HAWCS helicopter, stating, “Several rounds fired from this offender trying to injure and kill innocent people.”
A “dangerous person alert” was issued around noon, warning residents in the vicinity to shelter in place. Officers on the ground were observed urging bystanders to either run away or find cover, with Calgary Police Service Inspector Darren Smith likening the scene to a movie. He remarked, “We were yelling at the public to get away as we ran toward the gunfire.”
During the ongoing chase, investigators believe the suspect may have carjacked an individual within the park, drove for a short distance, and then abandoned the vehicle to continue on foot. Eventually, the suspect was found deceased in the Bow River, just before law enforcement could reach him. In a social media update, police confirmed that the threat had ended along with the dangerous person alert, stating, “We do know that he was subject to a self-inflicted gunshot wound, however, we cannot say whether or not any of our officers also struck the offender.”
Emergency crews were dispatched to the Bow River near Shouldice Park following the resolution of the incident. Police indicated that the suspect was known to them and had connections to organized crime, but reiterated that the traffic stop seemed routine and unexpected. “This was a random traffic stop, the circumstances around it are still being investigated,” stated Inspector Smith, confirming that the stopped truck was not stolen.
The injured police officer was transported to the hospital and is reported to be in stable condition. Chief McLellan expressed relief regarding the officer's status, mentioning, “I was with him at the hospital this afternoon, alongside his wife and teammates, and he is receiving excellent care.” Fortunately, no additional injuries have been reported as a result of the incident.
In light of the shooting and the subsequent events, the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) has been called in to investigate the actions of the involved officers, as is protocol for any situation involving police that results in serious injury or death. Police have also indicated that several entrances to Edworthy Park will remain closed, with a heavy police presence expected to continue as the investigation unfolds. Authorities are encouraging any witnesses with additional information regarding the incident to contact the police non-emergency line.
