Calgary standoff: Some residents allowed home, police say public safety threat over

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This article was published 15/03/2024 (934 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

CALGARY – Some residents of an east Calgary neighbourhood who had to stay away for more than 24 hours because of an armed standoff have been allowed to return home.

Police said late Friday that there was “no longer a threat to public safety” in Penbrooke Meadows, though officers would be remaining in the area throughout the night.

It was not immediately clear what happened to a suspect who had been shooting at police from a house since Thursday afternoon.

Police say some residents in the area are still barred from going home while an investigation continues.

They also warned returning residents of potential damage to their homes and property.

The standoff compromised commuter traffic, forcing the partial shutdown of a key cross-town thoroughfare for much of Friday.

Police Supt. Joe Brar told reporters at a briefing Friday afternoon that the suspect was “actively shooting at the Calgary Police Service.”

He said the risk level at the time was “extremely high” for both the public and the police.

No one had been injured as of the afternoon update.

At the house in Penbrooke Meadows, a black police helicopter circled above.

The sound of someone speaking through a bullhorn could be heard, while flash bangs and tear gas canisters were shot near the home.

A police officer directed traffic nearby, ordering vehicles to turn around.

“You really don’t want to be here,” the officer told reporters.

“Why not?” he was asked.

What sounded like two loud gunshots were then heard in quick succession, seemingly nearby.

“That’s why,” said the officer.

Brar said they were negotiating with the man to resolve the situation safely.

Nearby, part of the Memorial Drive commuter route was closed. A bright orange “road closed” sign, along with pylons, prevented vehicles from going through.

The standoff began around 3:30 p.m. Thursday when tactical officers were executing a search warrant on a weapons offence at the house and came under fire.

Residents in surrounding homes were urged to shelter in place while others seeking to get home inside the security area were kept out and told to find accommodations elsewhere.

Brar said the security zone was expanded in case the situation escalated.

He said the goal was a peaceful resolution but warned that police wouldn’t wait forever.

Emergency staff had set up at a nearby leisure centre so displaced residents could get snacks, water, showers as well as mental health support. They were also encouraged to call the police non-emergency line for help and advice.

Brar said he couldn’t disclose how many officers were working at the scene or how many residents had been affected.

Police said area schools remained open and safe, but that people would have to take an alternate route to get to two of them.

Brar apologized to residents.

“We understand this event is a significant impact on the community for both the perception of public safety and inconvenience,” he said.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 15, 2024.