Canmore, Alberta – As a result of an investigation by Southern Alberta District General Investigation Section (GIS), Cochrane RCMP, Cochrane GIS and Cochrane Crime Reduction Unit, into the incidents leading up to the officer involved shooting, charges have been pursued.
Austin Desylva (27), a resident of Canmore, Alta., has been charged with the following offences:
Discharge a firearm with intent
Aggravated assault of a Peace Officer
After a Judicial Interim Hearing, Desylva was remanded into custody and will be appearing in Canmore Provincial Court on March 1, 2023. As this matter is now before the courts, no further information will be provided.
The investigation continues and further charges may be pursued. Canmore RCMP would like to thank members of the public that sheltered in place during this incident. As well, RCMP are encouraging area residents to report any property damage that may have occurred as a result of this incident.
BACKGROUND
Alberta RCMP officer involved shooting in Canmore; “lone occupant of a vehicle and the officer exchanged gunfire”
Canmore, Alberta – On Feb. 24, 2023, at approximately 11:15 p.m., a Banff RCMP Officer conducted a traffic stop in the Town of Canmore. During the traffic stop, the lone occupant of a vehicle and the officer exchanged gunfire. The suspect fled in his vehicle and then on foot into a wooded area.
The RCMP surrounded the wooded area where the suspect fled. RCMP Police Dog Services and RCMP Emergency Response Team, along with a Calgary Police Service helicopter, were called to assist. The suspect was located a short time later. STARS air ambulance was called and the 26-year-old male, a resident of Canmore, was taken to a Calgary hospital with serious injuries.
No officers were injured during this incident.
The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) has taken over carriage of the investigation.
The Alberta RCMP believes in processes that seek the facts and it’s important that processes taken to assess the actions of all those involved, including the police, are fair, transparent, and defendable. This is why, as soon as we became aware of this incident, we immediately notified the Director of Law Enforcement and initiated our internal review process.
Independent of ASIRT’s investigation, the Alberta RCMP’s internal review process has been implemented to gather a full account of what took place during this incident. RCMP training, policy, police response, and the duty status of the members involved will be subject to review. The Alberta RCMP is, of course, fully cooperating with ASIRT and will not be commenting further on this incident. All media inquiries about this incident should now be directed to ASIRT at 780-641-9099.
Canmore RCMP
Alberta RCMP
BACKGROUND
Feb. 25, 2023
Canmore RCMP advise of heavy police presence – Update
Canmore, Alta. – Canmore RCMP advise that the police incident is now over and there is no longer a risk to the public. However, officers will be on scene for some time.
An update will be provided when available.
BACKGROUND
Feb. 24, 2023
Canmore RCMP advise of heavy police presence
Canmore, Alta. – Canmore RCMP are currently responding to a police incident on 11 Avenue, between 15 Street and Larch Place (in the wooded area). For your safety, police are asking residents to stay in their homes and avoid the area.
Please refrain from posting photos of officers on social media until the incident is over.
An update will be provided when available.
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