Police open fire in southeast Calgary, killing woman

UPDATE (added May 27, 2021): Calgary police justified in killing woman who was stabbing her son, says Alberta's police watchdog

A woman is dead and a young man was taken to hospital with serious injuries after what Calgary police say was an officer-involved shooting in the southeast community of Penbrooke.

Police said they were responding to reports of a break-in at a home on the 100 block of Penbrooke Close S.E. shortly after 11 a.m. Thursday.

The canine unit that responded was told two people — who weren't known to the homeowners — were barricaded in the home's basement, acting deputy chief Ryan Ayliffe told media Thursday afternoon.

Tactical unit heard signs of distress

The tactical unit was brought in to assist, but as they were setting up they heard signs of distress coming from inside, and they breached the room.

"One tactical unit member deployed an Arwen less-lethal launcher, striking a man," Ayliffe said.

An Arwen is a Canadian-manufactured projectile weapon that fires plastic bullets, designed for use in riot-control situations.

"Just after the confrontation with the man, circumstances occurred which required police to engage with the woman," said Ayliffe.

Woman shot, killed

An officer shot the 33-year-old woman, who was declared dead at the scene.

The male, who had been shot with the Arwen, was found to have been stabbed. The 17-year-old was taken to hospital in critical, life-threatening condition, said EMS.

A knife was recovered at the scene. 

Ayliffe said both tactical unit officers were constables. One has been with the force for seven years, the other 12 years. 

"I just heard a bunch of commotion so I looked outside," said neighbour Kristin Davis. 

"The dogs went in, the tactical team came. I heard a bunch of commotion, heard them say 'shots fired.' The ambulance came shortly thereafter and they were told to go to the back."

Davis said she just moved to the neighbourhood last week, but she's not concerned by the incident.

"I feel OK, I believe it's a one-time occurrence. The neighbours seem nice, it feels safe," she said. 

No officers were injured. 

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team is investigating.