Police have charged a Calgary man with attempted murder in relation to events that led up to an officer-involved shooting that shut down multiple roads in the city’s downtown core Tuesday night.
Einar James Bearhat, 20, is also charged with assault with a weapon and possession of stolen property.
Police were initially called to Dermot Baldwin Way and 4 Avenue S.E. at around 4:30 p.m. for a hit and run involving a cyclist and black SUV, which police believe may have been stolen. While police described the victim as a cyclist, EMS said reports indicate the man, believed to be in his 40s, was walking the bike at the time he was hit.
Officers believe the SUV intentionally struck the man with the bike, then left the scene. The driver later returned, at which time it’s alleged he intentionally drove his SUV directly at police. One officer dove out of the way, narrowly avoiding being struck by the vehicle. A police van was hit and significantly damaged.
As this was happening, an officer discharged his firearm at the suspect. The vehicle eventually came to a stop on Riverfront Avenue S.E.
Police said Friday the SUV used in the hit and run is associated with “other violent incidents that occurred throughout the day” but individuals’ connections to those crimes remains under investigation.
A male suspect was taken to hospital with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound and has since been released. A second suspect, a woman, was also arrested, but has since been released without being charged. Police said Friday night they’re still searching for a third potential suspect.
The man with the bike was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) is investigating the incident.
With files from Global News
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