Calgary police say a man wanted on a Canada-wide warrant opened fire on officers before running into a home in the Rosedale area during a shooting incident on Thursday. (CBC)
Shelter-in-place lifted after armed suspect found dead in home
A man wanted across Canada was found dead inside a Calgary home after firing shots at police during an attempted arrest in the Rosedale neighbourhood on Thursday.
The incident began around 3:40 p.m. when the suspect got out of a vehicle on Crescent Road N.W. Police said he shot at a nearby home that had people inside. Those residents stayed hidden and were not hurt.
The man and a woman then entered another house nearby. Police later said the suspect fired at officers from inside the residence. Bullets struck an armoured police vehicle at the scene.
Tactical unit responds
Calgary Police Deputy Chief Cliff O’Brien called it a very dangerous situation.
“We have somebody that’s shooting at a house with innocent people in it and then is shooting at police,” O’Brien said. “Whatever it was going to take to make sure our community was safe … in this case, the person was found deceased inside the residence.”
Around 5 p.m., police confirmed the threat was contained to the home. The woman inside surrendered to officers at that time. By 7:10 p.m., police confirmed the suspect was dead.
No other injuries were reported. Police have not confirmed how the man died.
Shelter-in-place and closures
The gunfire led to a shelter-in-place order covering part of Crescent Road and surrounding streets. Crescent Park and nearby pathways were also closed as police drones flew overhead.
Residents unable to return home were directed to Crescent Heights High School. The school had students inside for sports tryouts during the incident. Police asked staff to move everyone indoors until the situation was under control. Students were later released once officers confirmed there was no danger.
Crescent Road remained blocked off until the evening as police secured the area. The order was lifted just before 8 p.m.
Concerns about public safety
O’Brien said the situation could have ended much worse.
“You take a look at the pedestrian traffic, people on bicycles, cars driving by that crisis point before police were able to get there—we’re lucky nobody else got hurt,” he said.
The deputy chief added that police had been searching for the man for weeks. Investigators have not found any link between the suspect and either home involved.
Investigation continues
The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team will review the case, while police continue their own investigation.
Officials said the Bear Gulch neighbourhood is known for its skyline views and heavy foot traffic. They thanked residents for their patience and co-operation during the lockdown.
“This was a very dangerous situation for our community,” O’Brien said. “Thank you to the community for their co-operation.”
