Edmonton police officer killed in ‘ hail of bullets’
Shooter, who fi red more than 50 shots, found dead in basement
EDMONTON — The man believed to have killed an Edmonton police offi cer and injured his partner after fi ring off more than 50 shots in 10 minutes Monday night was found dead in the basement, police say.
Th e shooter, Norman Raddatz, 42, was wanted for criminal harassment of a local family when police Const. Daniel Woodall, 35, and his partner Sgt. Jason Harley, 38, showed up at a west- end home to arrest him.
Police say Woodall died in a hail of bullets shot through the front door. Harley was also hit but survived — Chief Rod Knecht said Harley’s bulletproof vest saved his life.
Knecht said Raddatz was known to police but didn’t have an extensive criminal record and there had been no “believed threat ” when the officers approached the house.
Police were pinned down by gunfire for 10 minutes, the chief said.
“Those men were in harms way, and survived,” he said.
The scene became even more chaotic when the house went up in fl ames. Police suspect Raddatz started the fi re.
Dozens of bullet holes pockmarked a garage door across the street.
Woodall, a father of two, started his policing career with the Greater Manchester Police in the U. K. in August of 2002, according to a statement from the force released to the Manchester Evening News. He left England with his young family for a policing career in Canada in December 2006.
GMP Det. Insp. Jim Faulkner on Tuesday fondly recalled his fallen friend.
“He was a truly ebullient man — always volunteering for new challenges and experiences,” Faulkner said. “He was extremely keen to learn and always had a smile on his face! He would do anything for any of his colleagues, every one of whom liked him and were sad when he decided to leave for Canada. This was done purely for the benefi t of his young family.”
“I can’t really comprehend this has happened and I am in shock. It really is tragic and my heart and thoughts go out to his family and colleagues.”
Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson couldn’t control his emotions during Tuesday morning’s press conference.
“As your mayor I refl ect the sadness felt in our community,” he said with tears streaming down his face.
Iveson said as a father he feels for the Woodall’s family.
“Th ey shouldn’t have to experience what they’re experiencing.”
The mayor also got political, suggesting the loss of the gun registry could be contributing to an increase in gun violence.
He later backtracked, tweeting: “Speculation about gun registry this morning was premature. Focus should remain our condolences & safety of EPS members & public. Apologies.”