A Calgary police officer died in the line of duty while conducting a traffic stop in the city on New Year’s Eve. Officers are continuing to search for a suspect.
On Friday morning (Jan. 1), the Calgary Police Service confirmed Sgt. Andrew Harnett, 37, was conducting a traffic stop in northeast Calgary at 10:50 p.m. on Thursday, when the driver fled the scene and struck the officer.
Fellow officers and paramedics attempted to render aid, however the officer was pronounced dead in hospital around midnight.
“The profound grief this has brought to all members of the Calgary Police Service and their families is unmeasurable,” police said in a statement. “Please bear with us while we work through this difficult time.”
As of Friday morning, officers continued searching for the suspect. Police warned that road closures in the affected area will likely continue through the day.
Harnett had joined the Calgary police force 12 years ago.
RCMP around the country have been issuing statements of condolences.
We offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of this officer and to everyone @CalgaryPolice. Such tragic news. 💔 https://t.co/CHpbE8PrQx
— West Vancouver PD (@WestVanPolice) January 1, 2021
We are so saddened for you @CalgaryPolice . We are thinking of Sgt. Andrew Harnett, all your officers and their families. Please take care of each other. pic.twitter.com/9CxCCsyjYc
— Ridge Meadows RCMP (@RidgeRCMP) January 1, 2021
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