Calgary police say they are still working to bring an armed standoff that started Thursday to a peaceful resolution.
During a news conference Friday evening, Supt. Joe Brar with the Calgary Police Service’s operational support division described the situation as “under control” but still very dangerous.
“Risk level remains the same and it is extremely high, to both the public and the officers,” Brar said.
“The suspect is actively shooting at the Calgary Police Service.”
Nevertheless, Brar said he is optimistic about the outcome.
“We are confident we work toward a peaceful resolution.”
On Thursday, police reported that shots were fired in the direction of tactical unit officers as police were executing a search warrant at a residence in the southeast Calgary community of Penbrooke Meadows at 3:30 p.m. local time.
There have been no injuries reported.
Memorial Drive is closed between 52nd Street S.E. and 68th Street S.E. and is expected to remain closed until the incident is resolved.
Residents of the Penbrooke area are asked to continue to shelter in place. Police said those who are unable to access their residences will not be able to do so until the situation is resolved.
The residence is in the 300 block of Penswood Way S.E.
In a Friday morning post to X, formerly known as Twitter, police Chief Mark Neufeld said the Alberta RCMP are assisting city police.
Calgary police said they will continue to provide updates to the public on social media.
This situation remains volatile and is ongoing as anticipated. Excellent work by <a href=”https://twitter.com/CalgaryPolice?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>@CalgaryPolice</a> members through the night with assistance from <a href=”https://twitter.com/RCMPAlberta?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>@RCMPAlberta</a>. We will be providing further updates in the next short while to assist area residents and the public generally. <a href=”https://t.co/kTqovUP74O”>https://t.co/kTqovUP74O</a>
—@neufeld_mark
Anyone who has been unable to access their home because of this incident is being asked to find alternative accommodations for the evening. Police say assistance is available at 403-266-1234.
The Calgary Emergency Management Agency has opened an information centre at the Village Square Leisure Centre at 2623 56th Street N.E. The centre will offer snacks, water, showers, phone charging, emotional health support and additional information as it becomes 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.”
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