Calgary police reported a fatality following an officer-involved shooting in the Legacy neighborhood during the early hours of Wednesday. The police responded to a mental health call from a woman residing in the 200 block of Legacy Circle S.E. just before 1:30 a.m. The woman had been encountered by the police on multiple occasions in recent months.
Approximately an hour later, the woman emerged from the residence carrying a weapon, though the specific type was not disclosed by the authorities. The situation then escalated, leading to the officer firing and fatally injuring the woman. Additionally, a gas meter ruptured during the incident, causing a gas leak that prompted Calgary Fire to intervene and contain the situation.
As a safety measure, nearby homes were evacuated, but residents were soon allowed to return. One officer was hospitalized as a precaution due to exposure to the gas leak, while another received on-site evaluation. Following protocol, the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) will conduct an investigation into the incident.
Chief Katie McLellan addressed the media on Wednesday, emphasizing the challenges faced by officers when confronted with violent situations, weapons, and rapidly escalating threats in Calgary. She referenced a recent incident at Edworthy Park where a man shot at police during a traffic stop, resulting in his own death.
McLellan highlighted the frequency of firearm-related incidents officers handle daily, including the issuance of a “code 200” distress call approximately 40 times each month. This incident marked the fourth officer-involved shooting in Calgary this year. She acknowledged the emotional toll such events take on law enforcement personnel, describing them as profoundly difficult moments that resonate throughout their careers.