No charges for Calgary officer in parking garage shooting: police watchdog

Alberta’s police watchdog says no charges will be laid against a Calgary police officer who shot a suspect dead with a powerful patrol rifle.

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team says there was evidence to suggest an offence had been committed.

But executive director Susan Hughson says the Crown determined there was no reasonable likelihood of conviction — and she agrees.

Hughson says officers were called to a commercial break and enter at a secure parking garage.

She says there were concerns about one of the officers choosing to use his C8 patrol rifle while responding to the relatively minor criminal offence.

But she says there can be little argument that the danger of being run over by a speeding motor vehicle would cause the officer to fear for his life.

“The loss of the man’s life remains a senseless tragedy,” she said of the 41-year-old who was shot.

“The man was a much loved son, brother and family member and the incident was devastating to the family.”