Update #4 – Calgary police officer killed in the line of duty
Two individuals wanted on warrants for first degree murder in relation to the death of Calgary Police Service officer Sgt. Andrew Harnett have turned themselves in to police.
At approximately 5:30 p.m., today, Friday, Jan. 1, 2021, the accused youth, 17, and Amir ABDULRAHMAN, 19, both from Calgary, were arrested at police headquarters after turning themselves in to police.
The Calgary Police Service would like to thank the media and the public for their help in furthering this investigation.
“Time is crucial in the progression of investigations, as evidence can be tampered with or destroyed if not quickly secured,” says Staff Sergeant Martin Schiavetta of the Calgary Police Service Homicide Unit. “It was because of numerous tips from the public that we were able to locate and seize the suspect vehicle within hours and examine it for key evidence. We are grateful for the collaboration between the Service, our media partners and the community in working together to find answers in this tragedy.”
As the investigation is still in its early stages, no new information will be released at this time.
Anyone with information is asked to call Homicide Tip Line at 403-428-8877, or the CPS non-emergency line at 403-266-1234. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers through any of the following methods:
TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org
APP: "P3 Tips"
Case # 20516426/3828
Previous releases below
UPDATE #3 - Calgary police officer killed in the line of duty
We have located the suspect vehicle believed to be connected to the death of an on-duty officer that occurred late last night.
At approximately 1:30 p.m., today, Friday, Jan. 1, 2021, police located the vehicle in the northeast community of Taradale as a result of a tip from the public. The vehicle has been brought in for forensic testing.
Police are still looking for the accused youth, 17, and Amir ABDULRAHMAN, 19, who are currently wanted on warrants for first degree murder in relation to the death of Calgary Police Service officer Sgt. Andrew Harnett.
Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of the suspects is asked to call Homicide Tip Line at 403-428-8877, or the CPS non-emergency line at 403-266-1234. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers through any of the following methods:
TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org
APP: "P3 Tips"
Case # 20516426/3828
Road closures in the area are expected to occur for several hours.
UPDATE #2 - Calgary police officer killed in the line of duty
First-degree murder warrants have been issued for two people alleged to have been involved in the death of a Calgary Police Service officer.
The accused youth, 17, and Amir ABDULRAHMAN, 19, both of Calgary, are sought in connection with the incident around 10:50 p.m., on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020. Application was made to the Youth Division of Calgary Provincial Court in order to identify the youth charged in this case.
The accused youth, the alleged driver, and ABDULRAHMAN, his passenger, were in a sport utility vehicle that was stopped by Sgt. Andrew Harnett in the area of Falconridge Boulevard and Falconridge Drive N.E. The vehicle fled the traffic stop and struck Sgt. Harnett. Other officers were nearby and rendered aid as quickly as possible, while EMS rushed to their side. Paramedics and fellow officers fought to save Sgt. Harnett’s life, but he was pronounced deceased at hospital near midnight.
The vehicle being sought is a copper-coloured, 2006 Infiniti FX, with a small spare tire on the front passenger side. The vehicle also has noticeable hail damage. A photo of a similar vehicle is attached.
Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of the vehicle or the suspects is asked to call Homicide Tip Line at 403-428-8877, or the CPS non-emergency line at 403-266-1234. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers through any of the following methods:
TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org
APP: "P3 Tips"
Road closures in the area are expected to occur for several hours.
UPDATE #1 - Calgary police officer killed in the line of duty
With the consent of his family, we are able to release the name of our member who was killed while on duty late yesterday.
Sgt. Andrew Harnett, 37, joined the Calgary Police Service 12 years ago, after serving as a military police officer. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2019 and was most recently assigned to District 5.
While working to keep our streets safe, Andrew was struck by a vehicle fleeing a traffic stop. Despite the heroic attempts by his colleagues and members of EMS, he died as a result of his injuries.
There is a massive effort underway to locate and bring to justice those responsible for taking the life of one of our members. Dozens of sworn and civilian members are working around the clock tracking down each and every lead and these efforts will not stop.
Original release below.
Calgary police officer killed in the line of duty
While working to keep our streets safe, a Calgary Police Service officer was struck by a vehicle fleeing a traffic stop. Despite desperate attempts by his colleagues, and members of EMS, he died as a result of his injuries.
At approximately 10:50 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020, an officer conducted a traffic stop in the area of Falconridge Boulevard and Falconridge Drive N.E. During the traffic stop, the vehicle fled, striking the officer in the process. Other officers were nearby and rendered aid as quickly as possible, while EMS rushed to their side. Paramedics and fellow officers fought to save his life, but he was pronounced deceased at hospital near midnight.
The search for the driver continues. Road closures in the area are expected to occur for some time. No further details will be released at this time to ensure all of the officer’s family have been properly notified and cared for.
The profound grief this has brought to all members of the Calgary Police Service and their families is unmeasurable. Please bear with us while we work through this difficult time.