Family angry after Calgary police chief defends shooting

The family of a man shot by Calgary police while trying to flee is angry over comments made by the chief of policethat defend the officer who opened fire.

Police shot Jason Harron last week after arriving at the Crowfoot Shopping Centre to address reports of a suspicious vehicle.

When an officer approached the vehicle,Harron allegedly sped offand hit two elderly pedestrians that's when the officer fired two shots, hitting Harron.

"Normally when someone is shot, police conduct a thorough investigation and await the conclusion of that investigation before speaking out about what occurred," said his lawyer Andrea Urquhart.

"The fact that the chief of police has commented on the appropriateness of the conduct of his junior officer before the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team has completed their investigation is disappointing."

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team is investigating the shooting and will release their findings at a later date.

"Based on the information I have so far, I'm confident that the officer involved made the best possible decision when confronted with a volatile and dangerous situation," Hansonsaid Wednesday at a press conference.

The family said that while Harron is stable, he will be permanently blinded and is not breathing on his own.

As well, they said doctors have placed Harron under sedation for the next several days as he undergoes a number of surgeries.

"As a result of this shooting, Jason is in critical condition suffering from severe head injuries that will result in life-altering, permanent disabilities," said Urquhart.

At this time, Harron has not been charged with any crime.

"We have a duty to protect lives and the officer made a split-second decision based on his belief that the lives of others were at risk," said Hanson.