2 teens arrested after death of Calgary Sgt. Andrew Harnett

Two teenagerssought in connection withthe death of Calgary Sgt. Andrew Harnetthave been arrested after they surrendered to police on Friday.

Harnett died on New Year's Eve after police said he was struck by the vehicle of a driver trying to flee a traffic stop.

On Friday evening, police saidAmir Abdulrahman, 19, and a 17-year-old male youthturned themselves into police at about5:30 p.m. MT and were arrested. Police allege the youthwas driving the vehicle that struck and killed Harnett.

CBC News previously named the 17-year-old afterpolice took the unusual step of making an application to the youth division of the Calgary Provincial Court in order to identify the youth wanted in this case.

CBC News has since removed hisname and photo now that he is in custody.

By Friday afternoon, a tactical unit descended on a Calgary home on Martindale Crescent N.E.

A large police presence were in front of thehome,and multiple people were removed from the home with their arms above their heads.

It's not known at this time whether the operation is related to the investigation.

Area resident Sunil Vermasaid it was frightening to see police activity unfold in his neighbourhood.

"It's the first time something like this has happened in this area," Vermasaid. "This is a quiet area. We're all shocked from last night's incident, and seeing the SWAT team and police cars in the area is scary."

The Calgary Police Service said the traffic stop incident occurred around 10:50 p.m. MT onThursdayin the area of Falconridge Boulevard and Falconridge Drive N.E.

"During the traffic stop, the vehicle fled, striking the officer in the process," police said in a statement.

Nearby officers rushed to theofficer's aid as quickly as possibleand were joined by paramedics.

"Despite desperate attempts by his colleagues, and members of EMS, he died as a result of his injuries" in hospital around midnight, the statement said.

'He loved policing,' brother says

Harnettwas the youngest of three boys in his family. Jason Harnett, the eldest, said his brother always wanted to be a police officer.

"He was deeply loved, and he loved policing," Jason said. "He didn't need to be out on Christmas Day. He didn't need to be out on New Year's Eve. He just loved doing it."

WATCH | 2 teens charged with murder in death of Calgary police officer:

2 teens charged with murder in death of Calgary police officer

4 years ago

Duration 2:28

Two teenagers are in custody on first-degree murder charges in the New Year's Eve death of Calgary police Sgt. Andrew Harnett who was dragged by a vehicle during a routine traffic stop.

Jason said his brother had a great relationship with the entire police force, including Calgary police Chief Mark Neufeld.

According to Jason, Harnett wenton a ride-along with the new chiefshortly after he took the position.

"He knew everything he needed to know, and that chief quickly recognized that, and he wanted Andrew to tour and show him the essence of what the beat cops do on a daily basis," Jason said."So he was well-respected and loved there."

Jason said the entire family is devastated, adding that he hoped the full resources of the police service would be used to bring the perpetrators to justice.

"You don't want them wandering around, and Andrew wouldn't want that either," he said.

Police chief says community ismourning

Neufeld, speaking before the teenssurrendered, said the vehicle was stopped because the licence plates did not match the vehicle and that they wereknown to police, but he declined to elaborate.

"Our service,and our community, is mourning on this first day of 2021," he said.

"More importantly, a family has lost a son, a sibling has lost a brother, a spouse has lost a partner, and many, many members of our service have lost a really good friend."

WATCH | Calgary police identify officerkilled as Sgt. Andrew Harnett:

Calgary police identify officer killed by fleeing vehicle

4 years ago

Duration 3:33

Sgt. Andrew Harnett, 37, was killed on duty when a driver fled the scene of a traffic stop on New Year's Eve.

Neufeld said Harnett was hit by the vehicle and dragged and that another vehicle was also struck and that driver remained at the scene and was helping with the investigation.

He said that vehicle "may have come into contact with Sgt. Harnett."

12thCalgary policeofficer killed in history

At Friday's news conference, Neufeldsaid Harnett was diligent at collecting information and that practice, as well as a body camera worn by Harnett, has helped officers identify the suspects in hisdeath.

Harnett, 37, joined the service 12 years ago after serving as a military police officer and was promoted to sergeant in 2019.

He isthe 12th officer to be killed in the history of the Calgary Police Service, dating back to 1878. The last officer who losthis life while on duty was Const. Darren Beatty, who died in 2001 during a training exercise.

"The profound grief this has brought to all members of the Calgary Police Service and their families is unmeasurable," police said in a statement.

Charlotte Seehawer, whobroughtflowers to the sceneon Friday, said she wanted to pay tribute to the fallen officer.

"I'm at a loss for words. My heart is broken," she said.

Premier Jason Kenney started a Friday news conference, saying his thoughts are with friends, family and colleagues of Harnett.

"His death reminds us of the very real risks taken by police officers every day to protect public safety," he said.