Suspect fired more than 100 rounds at law enforcement over the course of the incident, which began Thursday afternoon and lasted more than a day.
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The sound of explosions and a volley of gunfire signalled the violent end of a 30-hour armed standoff in east Calgary, with a barricaded suspect killed Friday night.
The situation escalated around 8:30 p.m., causing city police and RCMP tactical officers to fire their weapons, Calgary police said in a statement issued early Saturday morning. The suspect was declared dead at the scene.
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Throughout the ordeal, which began shortly after 3 p.m. Thursday during the execution of a search warrant, the man holed up at a home in the 300 block of Penswood Way S.E. had fired more than 100 rounds at law enforcement, police said.
No officers or bystanders were injured.
“The actions of one individual, with a history of weapons offences, put our community and our officers at substantial risk of harm,” said Chief Mark Neufeld in the Calgary Police Service’s written statement. “I am exceptionally proud of the professionalism, bravery and patience demonstrated by our officers, and exceptionally thankful to the Penbrooke Meadows residents and Calgarians at large for their patience and co-operation throughout this lengthy event.”
At the time the incident ended, individuals believed to be friends and relatives of the suspect were observed near the standoff scene in an emotional state. “You’ve killed Pat, you’ve killed Pat!” someone could be heard exclaiming.
The ongoing situation required many homes in the area to be evacuated and with the incident over, a number of residents were allowed to return late Friday night while others would continue to be displaced as investigators continued their work, police said on social media.
Memorial Drive had been closed between 52nd Street and 68th Street S.E. since Thursday afternoon, with other residential streets in Penbrooke Meadows similarly blocked off by police cruisers.
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The initial search warrant was related to a firearms investigation, said Calgary police Supt. Joe Brar earlier Friday. Members of the RCMP emergency response team were on scene assisting local police due to the “protracted” nature of the event, he added.
More than a dozen police vehicles, including tactical teams, remained in the area surrounding the house through the course of the incident.
On Thursday evening, officers could be heard trying to negotiate with the man inside the home, urging him to come out to receive medical attention or to call 911 if he was injured. A drone and a police helicopter could also be seen circling above the home.
The deadly police shooting has been referred to the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team, the province’s law enforcement watchdog agency. Because of this, Calgary police won’t be releasing any additional information about the violent standoff for now, the service said.
Members of the Calgary police victim assistance support team will be in Penbrooke Meadows Saturday to offer help to anyone in the neighbourhood affected by the incident. The team can also be reached by calling 403-428-8398 or toll free at 1-888-327-7828.
With files from Michael Rodriguez and Jim Wells
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