Canmore traffic stop turns into shooting, ASIRT investigates
Posted Feb 25, 2023 10:11 am.
Last Updated Feb 26, 2023 3:54 pm.
The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) is investigating a traffic stop that turned into shooting.
The RCMP asked residents to shelter in place late Friday night and early Saturday morning after a driver opened fire on an officer.
The incident began on Friday at around 11:15 p.m., when an officer was doing a traffic stop in Canmore.
According to RCMP, both the suspect and the officer exchanged gunfire before the suspect drove away, then fled on foot into a wooded area.
Mounties say they found the suspect shortly after surrounding the area with the help of the Calgary Police Helicopter Service.
A 27-year-old Canmore resident, Austin Desylva, was found with serious injuries, and was taken to hospital by a Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS) air ambulance.
No officers were injured in the shooting.
Desylva has been charged with discharging a firearm with intent, and aggravated assault of a Peace Officer.
He is scheduled to appear in Canmore Provincial Court on March 1.
ASIRT says the investigation is ongoing.
