The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team is continuing to investigate an officer-involved shooting in downtown Calgary that sent one man to hospital.
At about 4:30 p.m., police were called to the intersection of Dermot Baldwin Way and 4 Avenue S.E., for reports of a hit and run involving a cyclist and a suspected stolen vehicle.
When they got to the scene, they began to attend to the cyclist but the vehicle returned and drove at the officers, deliberately trying to run them down.
One officer dove into a van to take cover, with the vehicle hitting and significantly damaging the van.
The other officer opened fire at the escaping vehicle, which proceeded for a short distance from the scene, eventually coming to a stop on Riverfront Avenue S.E.
Officers then took a man, suffering from a gunshot wound, and a woman into custody.
The male suspect was taken to hospital where he remains in non-life-threatening condition.
Investigators say they are searching for another man who fled the scene on foot.
Police Chief Roger Chaffin, during a conference held on Tuesday night, called the incident a direct attack on his officers.
“It’s hard to speak to motive, but it’s shocking that he would return to the scene of a violent act and then take the time to deliberately attack the officers on scene.”
He says they’re looking into whether or not the incident could be connected to a series of acts in Calgary happening recently.
“There are a series of violent incidents that occurred throughout the day, including attempted car thefts and dangerous driving incidents, including a number of suspected vehicles,” Chaffin said. “Investigators are exploring the possibility that these are connected to the events that unfolded in the downtown area.”
The officer involved in the shooting has been with the force for four years and he is getting support.
Riverfront Avenue was closed for several hours following the incident and ASIRT is continuing to investigate.
