A handgun recovered from the Bow River has shed new light on a dramatic confrontation in Edworthy Park that left a Calgary police officer wounded and a suspect dead earlier this month.
The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT), Alberta's independent police watchdog, released additional investigative details Wednesday about the August 10 incident that sent shockwaves through the northwest community and triggered a massive police response.
How the Incident Unfolded
According to ASIRT's account, the situation escalated rapidly when two Calgary police officers initiated a traffic stop on a truck in the Edworthy Park parking lot. The driver, however, fled into an adjacent dog park, triggering a pursuit that would span multiple locations across the community.
As officers gave chase, the man opened fire, striking one officer. Police returned fire immediately and called in air support—the Helicopter Air Watch for Community Safety (HAWCS) was deployed to track the suspect as he continued fleeing through the park.
The confrontation intensified when the suspect fired at the helicopter overhead before carjacking a work truck at gunpoint. He then drove the stolen vehicle onto nearby railroad tracks while police officers discharged their weapons at the moving truck.
The Chase Ends in the River
The stolen truck became stuck on the railroad tracks, forcing the man to abandon it and run toward the Bow River. It was there, in the water, that he shot himself. Police located his body moments later.
Investigators recovered the handgun from the river the following day, positioned near where the suspect was found. The weapon has been entered into evidence as ASIRT continues its comprehensive investigation into the officer-involved shooting and the broader circumstances surrounding the incident.
The injured officer's condition has not been publicly detailed, though the shooting prompted immediate park closures and road blockades throughout the area during the initial response.
Investigation Ongoing
ASIRT, which independently investigates all serious incidents involving Alberta law enforcement, says no additional information can be released while the investigation remains active. The team continues to gather evidence and statements from witnesses and officers involved in the encounter.
For those seeking more information about the incident or wishing to share observations with investigators, community members can contact Calgary police or ASIRT through official channels.
This article is based on reporting from CBC Calgary, which initially broke details of the August 10 incident. Read the original CBC News story.