ASIRT investigating after Calgary officer fired gun during standoff with driver of stolen car

UPDATE:On Oct. 24, 2024, an Alberta Serious Incident Response Team report into the incident stated it was reasonable for the officer who fired his gun to believe he and his partner's life were threatened. It added there are no reasonable grounds to believe the officer committed an offence.

A Calgary police officer fired their gun early Wednesday morning, during a confrontation that followed a police chase with two stolen cars.

Police say officers first spotted a Chevy Malibu, which was believed to be stolen, speeding in the northeast community of Rundle at 1:40 a.m., police said in an emailed release.

The driver switched vehicles for aNissan Altima, which police alsodetermined was stolen.

Police followed the car by helicopter as the suspect was driving erratically and at high speeds, which police said raised public safety concerns.

Anofficer driving apatrol carnorthbound on 18th Street S.E. noticed the Altimahad stoppedin the southbound lanes. The driver of the Altimapulled a U-turn, and began speeding to follow the police vehicle before pulling in front of it, forcing the patrol car to a stop.

Police say there was then a confrontation between the driver and a police officer, that ended in the officer firing his gun but police say no one was injured.

After that, suspect droveonto Glenmore Trail, then fled to a home nearby andremainedthere for several hours.Shortly after 3:45 p.m., the suspectleft the home and was taken into custody.

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team says the officer hasbeen placed on a 30-day administrative leaveto process the incident. According to police, the leave is standard for any officer involved in a shooting.

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call the Calgary Police Service non-emergency line at 403-266-1234 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers.