A 27-year-old Canmore man faces charges and has been remanded into custody from an officer-involved shooting incident on Feb. 24.

Austin Desylva has been charged with discharging a firearm with intent and aggravated assault of a peace officer

A Banff RCMP officer pulled over a driver in Canmore at approximately 11:15 p.m. on Feb. 24. During the traffic stop, the lone occupant of the vehicle and the officer exchanged gunfire before Desylva fled on foot into a wooded area. 

RCMP officers surrounded the wooded area and called in extra help. The RCMP Police Dog Services team, RCMP Emergency Response Team, and the Calgary Police Service helicopter was called in. 

Desylva was airlifted with serious injuries to the hospital.

Charges were pursued as a result of an investigation by the Southern Alberta District General Investigation Section (GIS), Canmore RCMP, Canmore GIS, and Canmore Crime Reduction Unit.

After a Judicial Interim Hearing, Desylva was remanded into custody and will be appearing in Canmore Provincial Court on Mar. 1. Because the 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.