Passenger in hit and run death of Calgary police officer released on day parole

A man who pleaded guilty to manslaughter for his role in the death of a Calgary police officer is being released to a halfway house after being granted day parole.

Amir Abdulrahman, 22, was sentenced to five years in prison last year for his actions as a passenger in the hit-and-run death of Sgt. Andrew Harnett.

Harnett died in hospital on Dec. 31, 2020, after being dragged by a fleeing SUV and falling into the path of an oncoming car.

The 37-year-old tried to stop the SUV after he noticed its licence plate didn’t match its registration.

The officer fell when the vehicle sped off as he was scuffling with the driver. He was dragged before a second unrelated vehicle struck him on the road.

Abdulrahman and the driver, who cannot be identified because he was 17 at the time, were charged with first-degree murder.

The teen was convicted of manslaughter last year, and his sentencing hearing is ongoing.

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The Parole Board of Canada denied full parole for Abdulrahman on Thursday. However, it gave him the approval to spend six months living in a community-based residential facility or halfway house.

The board’s decision says Abdulrahman is at a low to moderate risk to re-offend.

“While (Abdulrahman’s) offence is very serious in nature resulting in the death of the victim, (he) has taken a number of steps to address areas of risk throughout (his) incarceration,” the parole board wrote in its decision.

“(Abdulrahman) will not present an undue risk to society if released on day parole, and (his) release will contribute to the protection of society by facilitating (his) reintegration into society as a law-abiding citizen.”

The board acknowledged the “significant harm and trauma caused to the victim’s family” but determined Abdulrahman has displayed “regret and remorse” over his actions.

Abdulrahman has demonstrated high accountability and motivation to change his life, the decision noted.

The board considered many factors in its decision, including Abdulrahman’s criminal and social history, progress made while incarcerated, behaviour behind bars and community supports he has.

“Since your sentence has began, you have not demonstrated any concerning institutional behaviour,” the board said.

Abdulrahman grew up in a traditional Muslim family. He maintains a close relationship with his parents and siblings. The decision noted that he has expressed interest in returning to work at his family’s flooring company.

His brother told the board Abdulrahman is working at “bettering himself” and said he is a “completely different” person now.

Police, brother, oppose release

Calgary police opposed Abdulrahman’s release, and he wasn’t the only one.

Jason Harnett, Andrew’s brother, says he feels there hasn’t been any justice served.

“Essentially good behaviour while being held behind bars got this guy early release … and he’s going to be able to go on with his life eventually, and it feels very unfair,” Jason said.

“He refuses to share the third person’s name in the vehicle, it’s a pure statement that he does not fully [have] remorse.

“He is thinking more about himself and protecting the identity of another criminal.”

He also says this came at a tragic time for another police family in Canada.

“I was particularly outraged yesterday, the fact that the Parole Board of Canada gave this guy day parole on the same day that there was another police officer being buried here in Ontario,” Jason said.

Abdulrahman asked for full parole with plans to move in with his parents. Correctional Service of Canada opposed the full parole release but supported a release on day parole.

“Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) assesses that it may be difficult for (Abdulrahman) to integrate back into the city,” the decision said.

CSC said that Abdulrahman has a limited criminal history but does have a short pattern of associating with negative peers and reacting with violence when he felt disrespected.

When asked about the conditions, Jason says he wants to see a complete overhaul of the justice system that sees offenders in jail longer.

Meanwhile, the agency said it is likely that immaturity and poor consequential decision-making played a large role in Abdulrahman’s criminal history.

The parole board said Abdulrahman must refrain from having contact with those involved in criminal activity.

He cannot have contact with Harnett’s family, the police division where Harnett worked and the co-accused in the case. He is also prohibited from using drugs.