Calgary Police Confirm No Link Between Recent Shootings and South Asian Extortion
Calgary law enforcement officials have confirmed that two recent shootings in northeast Calgary are not connected to each other or related to extortion affecting the South Asian community. This clarification comes amidst concerns surrounding violence in the area.
Details of the Shootings
On Tuesday night, authorities responded to a report of a gunshot wound victim at the Peter Lougheed Centre around 10 p.m. The victim, a man in his twenties, was shot in a parking lot at the Genesis Centre following an altercation. Fortunately, he is currently in stable condition, and police are actively pursuing one suspect. No arrests have been made as of now.
In a separate incident on Wednesday morning, police received reports of shots fired at a residence on Martindale Boulevard N.E. Homeowners discovered a bullet hole in their window, but no injuries were reported. Investigations are ongoing to determine the number of individuals involved in this incident.
Police Statements
Calgary Police Service Inspector Darren Smith addressed concerns regarding a possible link to extortion. He stated, “At this point, there’s nothing to indicate that it is extortion-related.”
Statistical Context
This year, Calgary has seen a total of 20 reported shootings, with six confirmed as being linked to extortion. In comparison, a report submitted to the Calgary Police Commission highlighted a total of 54 shootings in 2022, showing a significant 31-percent decrease from the previous year. Out of these, eight incidents were identified as extortion-related.
Inspector Smith emphasized the importance of addressing firearms incidents in the city. He noted the rising prevalence of firearms, stating that police are seizing more weapons from various types of incidents than in previous years. This situation amplifies their concerns about ongoing shooting incidents.
Community Safety
- Recent shootings are not linked to extortion.
- Stable condition of shooting victim in his twenties.
- No arrests made; investigations continue.
- 20 shootings reported in 2023, six related to extortion.
- 54 shootings reported in 2022, down 31 percent from 2021.
As Calgary continues to address the challenges of gun violence, the police remain vigilant in ensuring community safety and transparency regarding these incidents.
