Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta’s Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) is investigating a police shooting in southwest Calgary after officers used multiple less-lethal and lethal options during an encounter with a 36-year-old man armed with a bow and arrow.
The incident took place shortly before 2 a.m. on July 30 at a residence in the 1000 block of Bridlemeadows Manor S.W. Police had initially been called after receiving a report that a man was firing a bow and arrow in a backyard. Officers had also attended the same address earlier that night.
According to ASIRT, police learned that the man was prohibited from being at the residence and from possessing weapons under the conditions of his release. Despite those restrictions, he was inside the home when officers arrived.
Man approached officers carrying bow and arrow
Police officers spoke with the man and repeatedly instructed him to leave the residence without carrying any weapons.
After approximately an hour, he eventually exited through the front door carrying a bow and arrow. Investigators say he then moved towards officers who were positioned in the driveway.
Officers responded by deploying a police service dog and using a 40-mm less-lethal impact weapon, followed by a service pistol fired in close succession.
The man was given first aid by officers immediately after the shooting. Paramedics transported him to hospital in critical condition. His condition was subsequently reported to have improved to stable.
Independent investigation underway
The Police Review Commission has directed ASIRT to investigate the incident as a Level 1 matter.
Such investigations generally involve incidents resulting in serious injury or death, as well as serious or sensitive allegations concerning police conduct.
Meanwhile, the Calgary Police Service has separately laid criminal charges against the 36-year-old in connection with events that preceded the shooting.
ASIRT stressed that its investigation is still at an early stage and that the information released so far represents only what investigators currently know and can publicly disclose without compromising the proceedings.
No further details have been released at this time.
ASIRT operates under the Police Review Commission as an independent, civilian-led investigative body. It examines potential criminal offences involving police officers across Alberta, particularly incidents involving serious injury or death.
