Two officer involved shootings

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) has been called in following two unrelated officer involved shootings.

At approximately 1 p.m., today, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016, two officers were attempting to conduct a traffic stop near the Blackfoot Truck Stop located at the 1800 block of 9 Avenue S.E. When an officer approached the vehicle, the male driver was acting suspiciously. The officer noticed a rifle on the seat beside the male. The male was told not to move, however, he put the vehicle into reverse and attempted to flee the scene. The situation escalated and the officer discharged a firearm.

The vehicle travelled 40 metres and hit a gas meter, resulting in a gas leak in the area. The vehicle traveled for a short while before hitting a power pole and coming to a stop.

The male fled on foot followed by another officer who took him into custody.

The suspect was taken to hospital with minor injuries to his left forearm believed to be from broken glass. He has since been released and taken into custody. A female that was also in the vehicle was taken into custody. Charges are pending against both individuals.

The Blackfoot Truck Stop was evacuated due to the gas leak and road closures were temporarily put into place.

At approximately 2:10 p.m. today, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016 an officer responded to a call in the Marlborough Mall parking lot, located at Marlborough Way N.E., with reports of a man fighting and assaulting people with a weapon. The suspect fled before police arrived. The officer witnessed the man behind a dumpster in the parking lot, asking him to come out of hiding.

A foot chase ensued, with the officer following the man into the mall. The offender turned to confront the officer, at which time the officer deployed his taser, however it proved ineffective. In the process of taking the suspect into custody, the man produced a large bladed weapon and severely injured the officer. An altercation occurred, resulting in the officer discharging his service firearm.

The officer was taken to hospital in stable condition. The suspect was also transported to hospital and is in stable condition.

As is protocol in these incidents, ASIRT was notified and are now on scene.

Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact police at 403-266-1234 or Crime Stoppers anonymously using one of the following methods:

TALK: 1-800-222-8477

TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org

TEXT: 274637

CASE # 16408389/16408478