Autopsy following Calgary ‘fatal altercation’ rules out homicide

EDITOR’S NOTE: A previous version of this story listed Tashite as 22 years of age. We regret the error.

The death of a man following an altercation in Houndsfield Heights over the weekend is no longer being investigated as a criminal incident following an autopsy on Monday.

That autopsy determined the death was not the result of a homicide. On Tuesday, police said the death was the result of an accidental, self-inflicted injury.

Global News has learned the identity of the deceased man: Abdul “Gabii” Tashite, 21, described as the solo breadwinner for his family — his single mother and three siblings.

Police believe an incident between two drivers occurred just after 9 p.m. on Saturday, after a near-collision in Crescent Heights.

Investigators believe the drivers exited their vehicles to exchange words.

“It is believed one of the drivers, a 21-year-old man, held up a knife and threatened the other driver, a 35-year-old man. Investigators believe the incident escalated into a physical altercation,” police said Tuesday.

The 35-year-old man was transported to hospital with minor injuries.

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Police believe the younger man suffered a fatal, accidental, self-inflicted injury from the knife and attempted to drive away.

His vehicle was located in the 1500 block of 22 A Street N.W. in Houndsfield Heights, where it collided with a light post. He was declared dead on the scene.

Police said there was no indication either driver knew each other before the incident. As the death was not considered a homicide, and non-criminal in nature, police aren’t expecting to lay charges.

“This is a tragic event that led to devastating consequences over a simple dispute surrounding driving,” Staff Sgt. Sean Gregson said in a statement on Tuesday. “At a time when we are entering a season of celebration, we now have two families that will be forever impacted by this incident. This is a harsh reminder that a confrontation, especially with weapons, never leads to a positive outcome.”

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact CPS at the non-emergency line: 403-266-1234. Anonymous tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers.