Calgary man facing 22 charges after gunfight with police on QE II highway

A Calgary man is facing a slew of charges after a chase turned into a gunfight on a highway north of the city last month.

Mounties say the incident started Friday when they were notified by Calgary police just before midnight about a suspect who fled from police after being “covertly” followed by a HAWCS helicopter.

Officers in Calgary confirmed the details, saying they responded to reports of a man causing property damage inside a home, damage to a vehicle, and injuring a cat in the city’s southwest at 10:45 p.m.

A covert tire deflation device was set up on the QE II east of Carstairs near Highway 581 with the help of CPS and RCMP from Airdrie, Didsbury, Olds and Sundre.

The deflation device disabled the suspect vehicle and police were able to stop the accused. There was an exchange of gunfire between the suspect and officers.

Officers eventually de-escalated the situation after talking to the suspect. He eventually surrendered and was taken into custody.

No injuries were reported.

Investigation into what led up to the chase on the highway resulted in police pursuing nearly two dozen charges.

A 34-year-old Calgary resident is facing 22 charges:

• Two counts of mischief under $5000
• Causing Unnecessary suffering to an animal
• Flight from police
• Dangerous operation of a conveyance
• Failure to comply with blood demand
• Two counts of discharging a firearm with intent to wound/maim
• Two counts of assault on peace officer with a weapon
• Reckless discharge of a firearm at a place
• Three counts of reckless discharge of a firearm endangering life
• Possession of firearm in motor vehicle
• Use firearm in the commission of an offence
• Two counts of possession of weapon for dangerous purpose
• Two counts of possession of firearm contrary to Prohibition Order
• Resist arrest
• Flight from peace officer

With files from Alejandro Melgar