Man killed after 30-hour armed standoff with Calgary police identified
Police say the man identified as Patrick Kimmel by CBC sources had a 'history of weapons offences'
The armed standoff in southeast Calgary that started Thursday afternoon, when shots were fired at officers trying to execute a search warrant, ended in gunfire Friday evening.
The situation "escalated" around 8:30 p.m. local time Friday, according to police, forcing members of the Calgary tactical unit andRCMPemergency response team to fire their weapons.
Police say one man was killed. Thatman has been identified as Patrick Kimmel, according to police sources.
"The actions of one individual, with a history of weapons offences, put our community and our officers at substantial risk of harm," saidChief Mark Neufeldin a news release.
During a news conference early Saturday morning, Neufelddescribed the standoff as "tremendously dynamic" and said it involved intermittent negotiations with the individual for more than 30 hours.
On Thursday, police reported that shots were fired in the direction of tactical unit officersat a residence inPenbrooke Meadows, in the 300 block of Penswood Way S.E.,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."
In a statement released early Saturday morning, police said they estimated that more than 100 rounds of ammunition were fired over the course of the standoff.
"We are extremely thankful no officers or bystanders were injured as a result," the statement said.
Memorial Drive a busy thoroughfare in Calgary was shut downbetween 52nd Street S.E. and 68thStreet S.E.until the incident was resolved.
Residents of the Penbrooke area had beenasked toshelter in place, but police posted addressesof those allowed to return on Friday.
Anyone who hadbeen unable to access their home because of thisincident had beenasked to find alternative accommodations, and couldcall403-266-1234 for assistance or more information.
The Calgary Emergency Management Agency had opened an information centre at the Village Square Leisure Centre at 2623 56th StreetN.E. The centre offeredsnacks, water, showers, phonecharging, emotional health support and additional information as it becameavailable during the incident.
In a news releaseissued just before 8 p.m.Friday, policeapologized to residents for the inconvenience and sense of fear caused by the situation.
"Although we understand the fear, uncertaintyand 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 (ASIRT) will now investigate the circumstances surrounding the officer-involved shooting. SinceASIRT has taken over the investigation, CPS says they will not be releasing any further information
Anyone needing support can call the Calgary police victim assistance team at403-428-8398, or toll-free at 1-888-327-7828.
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