Teens accused in death of cop turn selves in

Calgary officer ID’D suspects before he died

Officials say two teens have been arrested in the death of a Calgary police officer.

Police say the accused turned themselves in on Friday afternoon.

The 17- year- old and 19- year- old had been wanted on charges of first-degree murder in the death of Sgt. Andrew Harnett.

The death of Harnett, 37, touched off an outpouring of grief across the city Friday, as well as a manhunt for the two suspects police believe to be responsible for the New-year’s-eve hit and run.

“Today is the day that I have had nightmares about,” Calgary police Chief Mark Neufeld told a news conference.

“I’m pissed off. It’s totally senseless.”

Police said Harnett had pulled over an SUV in the city’s northeast shortly before 11 p. m. Thursday after noticing plates on the vehicle did not match its registered description.

Neufeld alleged t he vehicle took off, hitting the officer and dragging him down the road.

A s econd unrelated vehicle was also involved and “may have come into contact with Sgt. Harnett” on the road, Neufeld said, adding the driver of that vehicle stayed at the scene and is helping with the investigation.

Paramedics and fellow officers hastened to the scene in minutes and tried to revive Harnett, police said, but he died in hospital nearly an hour later.

Police have said the 17-year-old boy was believed to be behind the wheel, while Amir Abdulrahman, 19, was likely riding as a passenger.

Neufeld said Harnett’s death reinforces the dangers law enforcement professionals face every day.

An emotional Neufeld added that he knew Harnett personally and called his death a blow to the entire Calgary Police Service family.

Harnett joined the force 12 years ago after serving as a military police officer for 21/2 years. He leaves behind a spouse, Neufeld said.

“I’ve actually worked a shift with him,” Neufeld said. “A consummate professional, amazing, amazing with the public and he’s everything you’d would want in a quality police officer.”

Harnett also helped investigators identify the suspects before he died, the chief said, but gave few details.

Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi paid tribute.

“My heart today is not only with Sgt. Harnett’s family but also with the women and men of the Calgary Police Service. Because I know a little bit about that family and a little bit about that incredible fraternity of people who come together to keep us safe every single day,” he said.