Calgary’s top cop is defending the actions of a three-year police officer after a man was shot twice following an apparent robbery.
The man was brought to hospital in stable condition after he was struck by two bullets early yesterday morning. Police had followed the suspect into the Bridgeland area.
The man was still in his vehicle when police surrounded him and it appeared as though he was aiming the car at the officers. Police Chief Rick Hanson said while the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) has taken over the investigation, it appeared the officer’s actions were justified.
“I think not only did the officer but the (911 operator) did exceptional jobs,” Hanson said.
“I have no doubt … the officer acted appropriately given the circumstances.”
Hanson said the man is “very well-known” to police and investigators believe the man is linked to an earlier call about a robbery in the city’s northeast.
Neighbour David Smythe said he woke after 3 a.m. to find police surrounding a white car.
“I heard some commotion and bangs, but just figured the police were doing their job,” he said.
