Calgary police shoot man after 'directed attack' on emergency crews

After hitting a cyclist during rush hour in downtown Calgary on Tuesday, police say anSUV returned and rammed a police van, prompting an officerto shoot at the vehicle.

The shooting happened around 4:30 p.m. on Riverfront Avenue by the Drop-In Centre and left one man in hospital in non-life threatening condition with gunshot wounds.

Calgary Police Chief RogerChaffinsaidhe's most concerned by the "wanton recklessness"of the incident. He says it was a "directed attack at the emergency servicespersonnelon scene."

Chaffinsaid officers had responded to a hit and run by a suspected stolenSUVon a cyclist when the offending vehicle returned and "drove directly at police officers."

"One officer had to take evasive and decisive action and dove out of the way to gain cover inside a Calgary Police Service vehicle," he said."He narrowly avoided being struck, but the police van was hit by the suspect vehicle and was significantly damaged."

Chaffinsays another officer "responded to the threat by discharging his service firearm."

Awoman is also in custody and police are hunting for a thirdsuspect.

• MORE CRIME NEWSICarjacking in northeast Calgary has police searching for silver Honda Civic

The cyclist was taken to hospital in serious condition and underwentsurgery. No officers or emergency personnel were injured.

The Alberta SeriousIncident Response Team is investigating the shooting.

'Run, run, run, run'

Chaffin saidafter the officer opened fire on the suspect vehicleit took off down Riverfront Avenue and travelled a short distance before stopping. That's when the two suspects were taken into custody.

Chun Mok, who was in the area at the time,saidhe saw people fleeing the scene.

"Over there, two ladies and then another guy flee all together," he said."[They] got out of the car and I heard them, they said, 'run, run, run, run!'"

Jordan Hamilton, a spokesperson forthe nearby Drop-In Centre, said they were taking precautions.

"There was an incident near our shelter. Our clients were not involved, but they are scared.We've locked our gates to ensure their safetyand are cooperating with police," he said.

Series of violent incidents

Chaffin saidthere were a "series of violent incidents," including dangerous drivingand attempted car theftsthroughout the city on Tuesday,andinvestigators are looking into whether they are connected.

"Calgarians will be concerned with how many of these happened today," he said.

When asked if there was any danger to the public, Chaffin said police are "certainly very motivated to identify these people and get them in custody."

Calgary police and ASIRTcontinue to hunt for the third suspect.