ASIRT says man shot by Calgary police officer was trying to use knife on himself

Alberta’s police watchdog says a man shot by a Calgary officer last month took a bullet in the lower leg while slashing at his own neck with a knife.

The incident happened on Aug. 18, just before 1 p.m. in the 300 block of Yorkville Road S.W.

Police said at the time they were responding to a 911 hang-up “believed to be connected to a domestic incident involving a weapon occurring inside a residence.”

Police said a man fled the residence and was located by officers nearby in the area of 194 Avenue and Sheriff King Street S.W.

In the confrontation that followed, an officer opened fire.

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) was called in to investigate.

On Tuesday, ASIRT released its understanding of events.

According to ASIRT, around 1 p.m., “CPS received a 911 call from a female who said she had been assaulted by a male,” and officers were told the man “had left the residence and was going to get on a bus.”

“Officers located the man, who was still on the bus. He exited when asked to and was told he was under arrest. He then pulled out a knife and held it to his own throat,” ASIRT said.

“One of the responding officers drew his handgun and another officer drew her conducted energy weapon (CEW).

“The man slashed the knife against the side of his neck repeatedly.

“One of the officers discharged a CEW twice at the man, but both were ineffective. The other officer then fired his handgun twice, striking the man in the lower leg.”

According to ASIRT, the man still didn’t go down.

Instead, ASIRT said the man walked off, continuing to slash at his neck.

Officers tried yet again to stop him, ASIRT said.

“A less-lethal baton launcher and other CEWs were used by officers. One of the CEWs was effective and the man was handcuffed,” ASIRT said.

According to ASIRT, the man was given first aid by officers then taken to hospital by EMS.

ASIRT said the man “had minor cuts to his neck and a gunshot wound to his lower leg.”

Investigation into the incident continues.

Anyone who witnessed the incident and/or has video of it is asked to contact ASIRT at 403-592-4306.

In the aftermath of the incident, police charged 61-year-old Bernard Arthur White with assault in relation to the initial call from the residence.