Woman fatally shot by Calgary police after requesting confrontation with officers

A woman was fatally shot by Calgary police in the Legacy community early August 26 after she called 911 saying she had a weapon and made statements indicating she wanted police to confront her, according to the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team investigating the shooting.

The woman called 911 early in the morning of August 26, telling dispatchers she had a weapon and planned to hurt herself. Dispatchers remained on the phone with her for approximately 45 minutes. She warned officers not to approach her.

Calibrary Police Service said officers had attended the home several times in the months leading up to the incident. Multiple officers remained outside the residence. The woman came outside just after 2 a.m., and officers repeatedly ordered her to "drop the gun." A confrontation followed. Police fired less-lethal rounds. One officer then fired a rifle shot that struck the woman. She fell to the ground and paramedics provided medical care, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators recovered an air-powered pistol at the scene. First responders also discovered a natural gas leak. The gas meter was ruptured during the confrontation, though the cause has not been determined. Two officers were assessed by paramedics after possible gas inhalation. Nearby homes were evacuated as a precaution.

The charges have not been tested in court.

ASIRT has taken over the investigation and said no further details will be released at this time.