A Calgary Police Service officer was shot twice while conducting a traffic stop near Edworthy Park on Monday, and the suspect fled into the park before being located dead in the Bow River, authorities said.
Officer stable after shooting; investigation underway
Police said the shooting happened at about 11:45 a.m. northwest of downtown. The officer who was struck was treated and described by police as in stable condition and "in good spirits." The motive for the initial traffic stop remains under investigation.
Chief Katie McLellan, speaking at a news briefing, said the incident has affected the whole service. "Today has been another very difficult day for the Calgary Police Service and our community," she said.
"Anytime an officer is injured in the line of duty, it affects our entire service and our policing profession."
Rapid, chaotic pursuit unfolded through Edworthy Park
According to investigators, after the officer was shot the suspect fled on foot into Edworthy Park, triggering a fast-moving response from officers across the city. Insp. Darren Smith described the incident as highly dynamic, saying it "unfolded within seconds."
Police allege the man later carjacked another vehicle and drove it through the park until it became immobilized, at which point he again ran on foot. The situation escalated as officers and the suspect exchanged gunfire.
"On multiple occasions, our offender discharged rounds at our officers, and our officers returned fire,"
Officers at the scene worked to secure the area and direct witnesses to safety, which Smith said included ordering people behind vehicles and telling others to run as the scene developed.
Sequence of events
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| About 11:45 a.m. | Traffic stop; officer shot twice |
| Shortly after | Suspect fled into Edworthy Park on foot |
| Following pursuit | Suspect allegedly carjacked another vehicle and drove through park until it became stuck |
| During incident | Multiple exchanges of gunfire between suspect and officers |
| Later | Suspect found dead in the Bow River |
Public safety response and community impact
Police from across Calgary attended the scene to search the park, secure the area and assist the investigation. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as officers moved through the park and directed bystanders to safety.
The Calgary Police Service has not released details about the suspect's identity, nor have they provided further medical details about the injured officer beyond saying the officer is in stable condition and in good spirits. The reason for the traffic stop remains part of an active investigation.
Chief McLellan and Insp. Smith emphasised the effect of the shooting on the police service and the community, and investigators are continuing to piece together the sequence of events, including the number of shots fired and the nature of exchanges between the suspect and officers.
- Officer status: Injured, stable and in good spirits, according to police.
- Suspect: Fled into Edworthy Park, carjacked a vehicle, later found dead in the Bow River.
- Investigation: Ongoing; reason for initial traffic stop not yet disclosed.
This incident will likely prompt further review by the Calgary Police Service and could draw independent oversight given the use of firearms and the subsequent death of the suspect. Authorities have not announced whether an independent investigative body has been engaged.
More information is expected as investigators continue to interview witnesses, review body-worn camera and other footage and complete forensic examinations at multiple scenes across the park and nearby riverbank.
The shooting comes amid ongoing public scrutiny of police tactics and accountability in Canada — matters that have repeatedly drawn attention after high-profile use-of-force incidents elsewhere. For now, Calgary residents are left with the immediate task of reckoning with an abrupt act of violence in a popular urban park and awaiting answers from investigators.
