Man killed after 30-hour armed standoff with Calgary police

Police say the armed standoff in southeast Calgary that started on Thursday when shots were fired at officers trying to execute a search warrant is “no longer a threat to public safety.”

The situation “escalated” around 8:30 p.m. local time Friday, according to police — forcing members of the Calgary tactical unit and RCMP emergency response team to discharge their weapons.

Police say one man was killed.

“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 a release.

Police are allowing some people to return to their homes, but officers were to remain on scene throughout the night to investigate.

During a news conference earlier on Friday evening, Supt. Joe Brar with the Calgary Police Service’s operational support division described the situation as “under control” but dangerous — saying at that time the risk level remained high because the suspect was actively shooting at police.

“We estimate more than 100 rounds were fired and we are extremely thankful no officers or bystanders were injured as a result,” said Calgary police in a release early on Saturday morning.

On Thursday, police reported that shots were fired in the direction of tactical unit officers at a residence in Penbrooke Meadows at 3:30 p.m. during an ongoing firearms investigation.

“Several uninvolved people were safely removed from the residence and officers spoke with the suspect, requesting he peacefully surrender,” said police.

“Approximately 10 minutes later, the suspect began firing a gun from within the home at officers.”

The residence is in the 300 block of Penswood Way S.E.

Memorial Drive — a busy thoroughfare in Calgary — was shut down between 52nd Street S.E. and 68th Street S.E. and was expected to remain closed until the incident was resolved.

Residents of the Penbrooke area had been asked to shelter in place, but police posted addresses that would be allowed to return home.

Anyone who had been unable to access their home because of this incident had been asked to find alternative accommodations, and could call 403-266-1234 if in need of assistance.

See the list of addresses allowed to return home in the post below:

At this time, there is no longer a threat to public safety in the community of Penbrooke Meadows. Our members are still on scene in the 300 block of Penswood Way S.E., and will be throughout the night.  Several residents will now be allowed to return to their homes, and some are being asked to evacuate. @CalgaryPolice

In a Friday morning post to X, formerly known as Twitter, Neufeld said Alberta RCMP were assisting city police.

The Calgary Emergency Management Agency opened an information centre at the Village Square Leisure Centre at 2623 56th Street N.E. The centre offered snacks, water, showers, phone charging, emotional health support and additional information as it became available.

In a news release issued just before 8 p.m. Friday, police apologized to residents for the inconvenience and sense of fear caused by the situation.

“Although we understand the fear, uncertainty and frustration this has caused, these measures are necessary to protect the public,” the statement said.

“We recognize this event has impacted the sense of safety for not only residents of Penbrooke Meadows, but also for Calgarians across the city. There have been ongoing disruptions with continued road closures and access to homes and businesses, and we apologize for the inconvenience.”

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team will investigate the circumstances surrounding the officer-involved shooting. Anyone needing support can call the Calgary police victim assistance team at 403-428-8398, or toll-free at 1-888-327-7828.