As a result on the ongoing investigation into the CrossIron Mills shooting incident that occurred on Sept. 16, 2019, the RCMP have laid charges against a fourth male.
The 42-year-old male was charged with attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder. On Nov. 14, an arrest warrant in the first instance was issued for him. He has since been arrested, and an update is forthcoming in a separate release.
The incident remains under ongoing investigation by the Southern Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit.
Background:
Update #2
Nov. 12, 2019
Airdrie mall shooting update – Southern Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit lays charges
Following a shooting that occurred on Sept. 16, 2019 at CrossIron Mills near Balzac, the Southern Alberta District (SAD) Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) was engaged to take carriage of the investigation. The SAD CRU identified three males involved in this incident and have now laid charges. On November 10, the three males, all from Calgary, were arrested.
A 25-year-old male is charged as follows:
- Attempted murder
- Conspiracy to commit murder
- Disguise with intent
- Using a firearm while committing an offence
- Using a firearm without having a license
- Fail to comply with a recognizance
A 35-year-old male is charged as follows:
- Attempted murder
- Conspiracy to commit murder
- Possession of stolen property over $5,000
- Fail to comply with a recognizance
A 37-year-old male is charged as follows:
- Attempted murder
- Conspiracy to commit murder
- Fail to comply with a recognizance (x2)
Judicial Interim Release hearings have been held, and all three accused remain in custody. Two are set to appear in provincial court in Airdrie via CCTV on Nov. 14. One other is to appear in provincial court in Airdrie on Nov. 12, 2019.
While the RCMP cannot provide information about the nature of the motive behind the shooting, investigation indicates that this was a targeted incident.
"The safety of the mall patrons was ensured by the swift actions of the CrossIron Mills Mall Security personnel, mall employees and the immediate response of our partner, Calgary Police Service" says Constable Burton of the SAD CRU. "We had assistance in this investigation from Airdrie RCMP members, and as a whole, the collaboration with all different agencies, units, and businesses, ensured this successful outcome."
Background:
Update #1
September 17, 2019
Airdrie RCMP provide mall shooting update
At approximately 7:09 p.m. on Sept. 16, 2019, Airdrie RCMP and Calgary Police Service responded to a report of an active shooter at the CrossIron Mills mall located in Balzac, Alta. Numerous resources were deployed to this incident including RCMP, CPS, RCMP Police Dog Services, the RCMP Emergency Response Team, Airdrie Municipal Enforcement, Rocky View County Enforcement and Fire Department, EMS, CPS HAWCS and CPS Canine Unit. Assistance was also provided by Cochrane and Strathmore RCMP Detachments.
Upon arrival, it was determined that the shooting occurred in the parking lot of CrossIron Mills mall near the food court entrance, and one male was injured. He was taken to hospital with serious injuries. He is still being treated, and his location will not be released at this time.
The male suspect had a slender build, was dressed fully in black, and he was wearing a ball cap and hood. The suspect and an accomplice fled the scene in a black 2019 Dodge Ram 4 door pick up truck, and we are still looking to identify who these individuals are.
RCMP and CPS were on scene for numerous hours. The mall was placed in a "secure in place" while officers cleared the mall. It was several hours before all civilians were evacuated safely. The RCMP would like to thank CrossIron Mills Mall Security in their assistance in providing loudspeaker direction to the patrons that helped to ensure everyone remained calm and were safe. Approximately 600 employees and several thousand patrons were safely evacuated from the mall.
Airdrie and District Victim Assistance unit was called last night and will continue to support citizens who were impacted by the incident. If you or a loved one has been impacted, please reach out to ADAC at 403.945.7290. To connect immediately with a counsellor please call the Distress Center.
If you have information regarding this incident, you are asked to contact Airdrie RCMP at 403-945-7200 or your local police service. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 online at www.P3Tips.com or by using "P3 Tips" app available through the Google Play or the Apple App Store.
Background:
September 16, 2019
Airdrie RCMP and CPS on scene at mall shooting
Airdrie RCMP and Calgary Police Service are currently on scene at Cross Iron Mall in Rocky View County, Alta. At approximately 7:11 p.m., RCMP received a report of shots fired at the mall. One male has been injured, and the suspect is still at large.
The mall is currently in "Shelter in Place" and officers are clearing the mall store by store. If you have a family member/friend in the mall, please know that they will not be released until the mall has been deemed safe.
RCMP are asking that everyone stay away form this area so that they can do their jobs safely.