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Alberta man in custody after bylaw officer dies

An injured bylaw officer was dropped off at a southeast Calgary police station Friday in his own SUV. He was in critical condition, and was later pronounced dead at hospital.

A southern Alberta bylaw officer is dead and a man who lives near the community of Priddis has been taken into police custody.

Former Mountie Rod Lazenby was dropped off at a southeast Calgary police station in his own SUV on Friday morning. He was taken to hospital in critical condition, but was pronounced dead on arrival.

The bylaw enforcement officer was driven to the District 8 station by a "person of interest," who turned himself in to police, according to RCMP. That man is in custody, but no charges have been laid.

An autopsy is scheduled for Monday.

The Foothills District peace officer was one of two bylaw enforcement officers for the area. The officers have authority to enforce certain laws and regulations.

RCMP officers are conducting an investigation at an acreage two kilometres north of Priddis, which they are calling a protected crime scene.

A neighbour told CBC News that the man in custody and were known to one another. The man in custody, who lives on the property near Priddis, owns several dogs, which he keeps in a Quonset hut, that have been the subject of complaints from neighbours.

The neighbour said officials have removed dogs from the property in the past.

Alberta Solicitor General Jonathan Denis released a statement Friday afternoon offering condolences to Lazenby's family, friends and colleagues.

"Tragedies such as this remind us all of the selfless acts peace and police officers make to protect our safety each and every day," said Denis.

"On behalf of all Albertans, I want to recognize Mr. Lazenby for his service and assure his loved ones that his sacrifice will never be forgotten."

The District 8 front desk has been closed for the remainder of the day because of "an ongoing RCMP investigation," Calgary police said.

Members of the public are asked to go instead to the nearest district office, District 6, located at 8325 Bonaventure Dr. S.E.

Priddis is a 45-minute drive southwest of Calgary.