Alberta's independent police watchdog has released new details about a firearms incident in southwest Calgary that ended with an armed man hospitalized and officers deploying both non-lethal and lethal force.
The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) says Calgary police officers responded to a home in the 1000 block of Bridlemeadows Manor Southwest just before 2 a.m. on July 30 after receiving reports of a man firing a bow and arrow in the backyard.
This was the second call to the same residence that evening, though ASIRT has not disclosed details about the earlier response.
The Confrontation Escalates
When officers arrived for the second time, they located the man inside the home. He was prohibited from being at the residence and was barred from possessing weapons under existing conditions, according to ASIRT.
Officers spent approximately one hour requesting the man exit the home without carrying weapons. Eventually, he emerged from the front door carrying both a bow and arrow, then moved toward the officers in the driveway.
In rapid succession, police deployed a service dog, discharged a 40-millimetre less-lethal impact weapon, and fired a service pistol. Officers immediately provided first aid following the shots.
Paramedics transported the man to hospital in critical condition. He was later upgraded to stable condition, according to ASIRT.
Criminal Investigation Underway
The incident remains under investigation by ASIRT, the civilian-led independent agency mandated to examine potential criminal offences by police officers across Alberta, including incidents involving serious injury or death.
Separately, Calgary Police Service is pursuing criminal charges against the man in connection with the events leading up to the shooting.
This report is based on information released by the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team. For additional details, visit ASIRT's official website.
Original reporting by Global Calgary / Kyra Thompson