CALGARY – Two innocent bystanders are recovering in hospital, after a chaotic scene unfolded at a northwest shopping centre, on Tuesday.
It all started when police were called about a suspicious vehicle in the 100 block of Crowfoot Way N.W. by the Bank of Montreal, around 3:30 p.m.
When police arrived, a uniformed officer approached a Ford Escape to speak with the occupants. As he walked toward the vehicle, the driver sped off, mounting the sidewalk and striking two elderly pedestrians.
It was at that point that police shot at the vehicle trying to stop it, hitting the driver in the process. He was taken to hospital with serious injuries.
Two passengers from the vehicle were taken into custody by police.
Global News has learned at least one occupant in the vehicle was believed to be wanted on a Canada-wide warrant.
The female pedestrian, in her late 70s, was rushed to hospital with non life-threatening injuries, including several broken bones.
The male pedestrian, also in his late 70s, was taken to hospital with minor injuries.
The CPS says that at this point, there is no indication the incident was the result of a bank robbery, or related to the Bank of Montreal branch in any way.
The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) has been called to hold an independent investigation into the shooting, to determine if the officers were justified in their actions.
The officers directly involved are now on a 30-day administrative leave, which is standard procedure in these situations.
Comments