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ASIRT investigates highway standoff between police, suspect near Carstairs

One person was arrested by police after a standoff along the southbound portion of the QEII highway east of Carstairs, Alta. File / Global News

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team is investigating a shooting between police and a suspect north of Calgary that took place just before midnight on Friday.

In a statement, the Calgary Police Service said officers responded to reports of a domestic disturbance in southwest Calgary around 10:45 p.m. June 21.

Police said a man reportedly caused damage inside the home as well as to a vehicle, and injured a cat before getting in a vehicle and driving away.

When officers tried to conduct a traffic stop, believing the man was impaired, he fled in his vehicle, police said.

“The suspect was monitored by the Helicopter Air Watch for Community Safety (HAWCS) as he drove out of the city on Highway 2,” police said in the statement.

‘The CPS co-ordinated with the Alberta RCMP, who took over command of the incident at about 11:40 p.m.”

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In its news release, Alberta RCMP said Calgary police and Mounties from Airdrie, Didsbury, Olds and Sundre set up tire spikes and stopped the suspect’s vehicle near Highway 581, near Carstairs, Alta.

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“A traffic stop was conducted and there was an exchange of gunfire between the suspect and police resulting in no injuries to police or the suspect,” the RCMP said in the news release.

“Police were able to disengage from the suspect and set up containment. RCMP made verbal contact with the suspect and successfully de-escalated the incident. The suspect surrendered to police.”

Alberta RCMP said the suspect’s vehicle was stopped along Highway 581, near Carstairs, Alta. Global News

Calgary police confirmed a CPS officer had fired their service weapon during an exchange of gunfire between police and the suspect.

Police soon de-escalated the incident and the suspect surrendered.

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RCMP said the exchange of gunfire didn’t cause any injuries, noting the incident was an “excellent” example of cooperation between multiple units of separate police services.

“Despite this, events like this are difficult for the communities in which they occur, as well as the general public and officers involved,” Mounties said.

“Police recognize the trust placed in them to use force that is necessary, proportional and reasonable and in so doing, remain fully accountable.”

In keeping with provincial requirements, the RCMP said Alberta’s Director of Law Enforcement has directed ASIRT to investigate the incident.

Meanwhile, CPS continues to investigate the initial domestic disturbance and charges related to the call are pending.

Carstairs is 48 kilometres north of Calgary.

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— with files from Carolyn Kury de Castillo, Global News

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