The killing of two Edmonton police officers who were shot in the line of duty Thursday is a horrific tragedy, says the chief of the Edmonton police.
Const. Travis Jordan, 35, and Const. Brett Ryan, 30, were killed while responding to a domestic call in the city’s northwest.
Chief Dale McFee was visibly emotional as he released details of the shooting during a news conference Thursday at police headquarters.
McFee said the men were valued members of the force.
“I can’t tell you how devastated we are with their loss,” he said.
The officers were killed while responding to a family dispute.
Around 12: 47 a.m. Jordan and Ryan responded to the call at an apartment building near 114th Avenue and 132nd Street.
When they arrived, the officers approached the suite and were shot by a male subject.
McFee said the investigation shows the officers likely “did not have a chance” to discharge their firearms.
The officers were rushed to hospital by colleagues. They were declared dead.
The young male suspect is also dead, McFee said. Investigators believed he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, McFee said
A female related to the male subject was also taken from the scene with life-threatening injuries.
She remains in hospital in serious but stable condition, McFee said.
CBC News has confirmed the officers were shot while responding to a domestic call, and that a third person is dead.
Edmonton police say the officers were killed early Thursday.
“The Edmonton Police Service is mourning the loss of two of its patrol officers who were killed in the line of duty, while responding to a call earlier today,” Edmonton police spokesperson Scott Pattison said in a statement.
Police have not released any details on the identity of the officers killed or the circumstances of the shooting but information is expected to be released later today.
EPS Chief Dale McFee will speak at 10 a.m. MT.
Police remain at the scene in the residential area of Inglewood.
Much of the police presence is concentrated around the Baywood Park Apartments at 114th Avenue and 132nd Street, where several streets remained blocked to public access.
At the scene Thursday morning, police tape was strung across the entrance to a building in the apartment complex. A large police command post truck was parked in the street, lights flashing.
Several officers could be seen walking out of a ground level suite in the complex. The entrance to the building was sealed off with yellow police tape. A forensic truck was stationed nearby.
Outpouring of condolences
News of the deaths prompted an outpouring of condolences from police, politicians and public safety officials across the country.
“Every day, police officers put themselves in harm’s way to keep people safe,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement.
“The news that two [Edmonton police] officers have been killed in the line of duty reminds us of that reality.
“I’m sending my condolences to the officers’ loved ones and colleagues — we’re here for you.”
Police services in Calgary, Vancouver the Greater Toronto Area and Halifax expressed condolences on Twitter.
“This is a tragic loss and one that is shared among law enforcement including our team. We are here to offer our support to [Edmonton police] as well during a devastating time,” Calgary Police Service Deputy Chief Chad Tawfik wrote on Twitter. “Condolences to the entire service, families, and friends.”
Michael Gendron, a spokesperson for the Canadian Police Association, said members’ hearts are broken.
“Sending our most sincere condolences, and our prayers to all who are mourning the loss of friends and colleagues today, and especially to their families at this tragic time,” Gendron wrote on social media.
Edmonton police Staff. Sgt. Mike Elliott, a former president of the Edmonton Police Association, said he is devastated by the news.
“No words can describe what our members [and] their families are feeling at this moment. Our entire service and community are mourning,” Elliott wrote in a post on social media.
The last Edmonton police officer killed in the line of duty was Const. Daniel Woodall, who was shot on June 8, 2015.
Woodall, a hate crimes investigator, was killed by Norman Raddatz, 42, while attempting to arrest Raddatz on a charge of criminal harassment at his west Edmonton home. A second officer was injured, but survived.
