Homeless encampment shooting suspect arrested

By Lethbridge Herald on July 11, 2022.

Herald photo by Al Beeber Police attend a tent camp along Stafford Drive South on Monday after a shooting occurred at the scene the evening before.

Ry Clarke – Lethbridge Herald – Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Police have arrested a suspect in connection with a shooting Sunday night near the 500 block of Stafford Drive South resulting in a non-life-threatening injury to a 33-year-old man. 

At around 8 p.m. police responded to a report of gunfire near the encampment, finding a man with a gun shot wound who was transported to hospital by EMS for treatment. Investigators have determined the suspect and victim knew each other and were having a verbal altercation that escalated to gun fire resulting in the victim being shot in the leg and the suspect fleeing the scene. 

With the help of witnesses the suspect was identified and arrested without incident a short time later north of the encampment near the 600 block of Stafford Drive North. The gun used in the altercation has yet to be recovered and Lethbridge Police Service are asking anyone with information regarding the case or the firearm used to call 403-328-4444. Due to the nature of this being a targeted crime police believe there is no evidence to suggest an ongoing risk to the general public at this time.

Staff Sgt. Bruce Hagel, told reporters on Monday about the events that transpired. 

“Shortly after last night, July 10, Lethbridge Police was contacted regarding the shootings, which occurred in the 500 block of Stafford Drive itself. There are some temporary structures, encampments, there. When members arrived, they found a 33-year-old male with a gunshot wound to his leg. He was taken to hospital for treatment by Lethbridge Fire and EMS. During the investigation, it was determined, again, that a firearm was used. And police a short time later, later that evening, located a 37-year-old male and took him into custody.”

Encampments have been appearing in different areas of the of city with police responding to violent encounters, but this is the first incident involving a shooting. Police obtained a search warrant to investigate the tents and structures in the area but were unable to locate the gun used in the altercation. Further efforts will utilize Search and Rescue personnel to assist in locating the weapon used. 

Hagel says “We want to mitigate any violent acts. We’re always concerned about public safety. In this particular incident where a firearm is used, again, it’s not common. This is the first one this year, but anytime a firearm is used, no matter where it is, it’s always a concern. And it’s something that the police obviously are going to investigate as in-depth as we can to find out who did it and to ensure that public safety.” 

Police have also contacted social services to provide assistance to occupants of the encampment who have been impacted by the incident. 

The encampment was planned to be taken down Wednesday, however with the ongoing investigation it has been postponed to allow police to properly conducted its investigation. 

“What I would say to the public is that we’re out there, we’re being as proactive as we can with the resources we have. We live in this community, too. […] We’re concerned about public safety as well. And we’re doing all we can to ensure that public safety,” said Hagel.

The name of the individual arrested in connection with the incident has not yet been released, and charges are pending.