Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) has opened an investigation into a fatal police shooting involving members of the Calgary Police Service following a confrontation with a woman on Deerfoot Trail last weekend.
According to preliminary information, officers were dispatched on June 21 after receiving reports of an erratic driver near the Deerfoot Meadows shopping district. Police located the compact SUV travelling northbound on Deerfoot Trail and brought it to a stop between Memorial Drive East and 16 Avenue N.E. at approximately 5:30 p.m.
To secure the scene, officers halted traffic in the northbound lanes before temporarily stopping southbound vehicles near 16 Avenue N.E., creating a controlled area around the vehicle.
Police said the woman remained inside the SUV after it was stopped. Officers were informed that she was believed to be armed with a knife and made repeated attempts to communicate with her while assessing the unfolding situation. Authorities said they considered several factors during the standoff, including the woman’s behaviour, the location of the vehicle and the potential risk posed to passing motorists.
After roughly 20 minutes, officers moved toward the passenger side of the SUV. They shattered a side window and deployed oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray, commonly known as pepper spray, in an effort to bring the situation under control.
Investigators said the woman then exited the vehicle and advanced toward police. During the confrontation, officers used several force options, including a projectile launcher and a Conducted Energy Weapon (Taser). A police officer also discharged a service rifle. The precise sequence of events remains under investigation.
Following the shooting, officers secured a knife at the scene and immediately began providing emergency medical assistance alongside tactical emergency medical personnel. The woman was transported to hospital in critical condition, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
The Police Review Commission subsequently directed ASIRT to investigate the incident as a Level 1 matter, a classification reserved for cases involving serious injury, death, or other significant allegations concerning police conduct.
ASIRT stated that its investigation will focus on the actions of responding officers, including whether the use of force was justified under the circumstances. Officials noted that the information released reflects only the preliminary findings available at this stage, with investigators continuing to gather evidence before reaching any conclusions.
The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team functions as an independent civilian-led agency responsible for examining incidents across the province in which police actions may have resulted in death, serious injury or potential criminal offences.
