Sgt. Andrew Harnett is working to catch his own killer..Harnett, 37, pulled over an Infiniti vehicle in the neighbourhood of Falconridge Thursday night because it’s licence plate didn’t match.. Mossleigh pub briefly opens before authorities move in .The 12-year-veteran, nick-named “Hardcore” by his fellow officers, then followed all proper procedures and communicated details of the suspect car to the dispatcher through his in-car computer system, said Chief Mark Neufeld in a Friday press conference..Neufeld said Harnett was also able to obtain footage of his interactions with the suspects, named as a 17-year-old and Amir Abdulrabhman, 19, both of Calgary. Both of the wanted men are known to Calgary police. They have been charged with first-degree murder.. Screen-Shot-2021-01-01-at-10.45.17-AMChief Neufeld at Friday press conferemce .“Sgt. Harnett did exceptional police work prior to his death,” Neufeld said..The chief said he knew Harnett personally and had even gone on a patrol with “Andy.”.“This is what I have had nightmares about,” said Neufeld, adding there is no such thing as a routine police call..“I’m pissed off – it’s totally senseless.”.Neufeld praised the officers leading the investigation, from the homicide to the traffic, to the crime scenes units..“I am humbled by the progress we have made in the last 12 hours,” he said..The tragedy began about 10:50 p.m. Thursday night when Harnett pulled over the Infiniti..At some point the offenders fled and and accident happened with Harnett being struck and killed. Another car, driven by someone not involved, got caught up in the carnage and also hit Harnett..As a supervising sergeant for Five District, Harnett was working alone, which is normal practice..Acting on a tip for the public, police found the culprits’ car about 1:30 p.m., Friday in the northeast community of Taradale. The vehicle has been brought in for forensic testing.. Sgt. Andrew HarnettCourtesy Calgary Police Service .Neufeld urged Calgarians to come forward with information leading to the arrest of the suspects..Calgary Police Association President John Orr called Harnett an “exceptional police officer and an exceptional human being.”.“I want to let his family know he will be remembered always,” said Orr, who called the murder “cowardly.”.Mayor Naheed Nenshi, close to tears, also paid tribute to Harnett, noting the officer patrolled Five District in the northeast where he lives..Neufeld noted Harnett was decorated by the Canadian Armed Forces when he was a military police officer with them, and had received at least two Chief’s Awards for live-saving with the CPS..Premier Jason Kenney also paid tribute to Harnett calling his murder, a “terrible crime.”.Those thoughts were echoed by Justice Minister Kacyee Madu..“I am saddened and heartbroken at the news of the death of Sgt. Andrew Harnett with the Calgary Police Service. I wish to extend my condolences to Sgt. Harnett’s family, friends, co-workers, and the entire Calgary Police Service at this very difficult time,” said Madu in a statement..“As part of his service to Calgarians, Sgt. Harnett was on duty patrolling the streets on New Year’s Eve. While doing this as part of ensuring the safety of Calgarians, this tragic event took place that cost him his life..“This is a devastating reminder of what the brave men and women of law enforcement face every day when they put on their uniform. As officers work to keep Albertans and our communities safe, their families hope to see them safe again at the end of their shift..“As we grieve the loss of this officer, let us remember his selflessness in choosing a life dedicated to public service and safety, and the sacrifices made by his family in doing so.”.Harnett, who lived in Strathmore, leaves behind his wife Chelsea. The couple had no children..…more to come.Dave Naylor is the News Editor of the Western Standard.dnaylor@westernstandardonline.com.Twitter.com/nobby7694
