The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) has been called in following a police shooting in Calgary’s northeast Monday night.
At around 11:30 p.m. Monday, police said a patrol unit spotted a stolen pickup truck in the area of 64 Avenue and 68 Street N.E.
When police tried to stop the truck in the 100 block of Martindale Court N.E., the suspect vehicle rammed the police car and also hit a home, police said.
It was during this confrontation that the officer discharged their firearm, police said.
“No one is believed to have been injured as a result of the shooting,” police said in a news release Tuesday.
Witnesses on scene described hearing multiple shots as a larger contingent of police swarmed the cul-de-sac.
The vehicle then managed to flee the scene, often driving dangerously and at one point into oncoming traffic. It was during this time the suspect vehicle hit another car in the area around Barlow Trail and 25 Avenue N.E.
“Police are asking the driver of this vehicle to come forward and call police as they left the area before officers could arrive,” police said.
A few minutes later, police said the driver of the stolen vehicle lost control and slammed into a home in the 200 block of 32 Avenue N.W.
“Force was used, including the use of a canine unit police service dog, to contain and take the driver into custody,” police said.
According to police, the driver of the truck was taken to hospital with injuries related to the crash, not due to gunshot wounds. ASIRT confirmed on Thursday the man also sustained a dog bite to his right arm, but no stitches were needed.
There were no other injuries reported, police added.
A resident of the home where the truck came to a rest is grateful for the tree in his front yard — it stopped the truck.
“If it hadn’t been for that tree that was there, it’s a 20-year-old mountain ash I think, we would have had a pickup inside our bedroom,” said Grant Hamilton.
Kelle Hamilton said a peaceful night’s sleep was interrupted by the noise of the crash.
Calgary police continue to investigate what happened.
Monday’s pursuit added to a growing concern for police.
“Our city remains challenged with these types of events,” Calgary Police Chief Roger Chaffin said. “This is just another one where you see this mix of drugs and guns and cars and chaotic behaviour. It’s tragic.”
The officer involved in the shooting has been put on a 30-day administrative leave.
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