ASIRT Clears Calgary Officers in “Grenade Standoff” Fatality

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) has officially cleared Calgary Police Service (CPS) officers of any wrongdoing in the March 2024 shooting death of Patrick Kimmel. The decision, released on February 18, 2026, concludes that lethal force was the only viable option to protect the public.

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The 30-Hour Siege

What started as a routine search warrant in Penbrooke Meadows quickly escalated into a high-stakes tactical crisis:

• The Initial Conflict: Kimmel opened fire on officers with a shotgun from a basement suite.
• The Negotiations: Over the course of 30 hours, Kimmel ignored police pleas to surrender, stating he would rather die or detonate an explosive than return to prison.
• The Final Act: After police pumped water into the basement to force an exit, Kimmel emerged. He was armed with a shotgun and had a live grenade strapped to his chest.

Why No Charges Were Laid

ASIRT’s executive director, Matthew Block, was definitive in his ruling. The investigation found that the officers acted within the scope of their duty for the following reasons:

1. Imminent Peril: The presence of a live explosive in a residential neighborhood created a “mortal threat” that could not be neutralized through non-lethal means.
2. Necessary Force: The 12 rounds fired by tactical officers were deemed a proportionate response to a suspect who was both armed and effectively a “suicide bomber.”
3. Legal Authorization: Under the Criminal Code, officers are protected when using force that is intended to prevent death or grievous bodily harm to themselves or others.

The Verdict: The report concludes that while the loss of life is tragic, the officers’ actions were “reasonable, proportionate, and necessary” to end a public safety nightmare.