CALGARY – Police say a woman killed in a shooting in the downtown core on Saturday appears to be an innocent bystander.
Police were called just to 11th Avenue and 1st Street S.W. for reports of gunfire around 3 a.m. on Saturday. It’s believed the shots were fired from a vehicle.
When officers arrived, they found a woman in her mid-20s dead outside of Bronco Smokehouse & Saloon. She had just left the restaurant and was chatting with friends when she was hit.
“We have a very young, innocent female that was gunned down in front of a club, and this was reckless and tragic,” says S/Sgt. Michael Cavilla from the Calgary Police Service. “She had gone out with some friends to socialize, have a few drinks and head home.”
Following an autopsy, she has been identified as 26-year-old Natasha Mohamed Farah of Toronto. Police say she had moved to Calgary just over a year ago.
“I was in shock today when I heard the news,” says Danielle Iversen, who worked with Farah at a public relations agency back in 2012. “I had to literally go to my office, looked at her emails, tried to find pictures and I cried. I am in shock.
“Why does this have to happen to people who are innocent?”
On Monday, police arrested three people in Calgary’s Motel Village, and took them into custody for questioning. All are known to police in Toronto, including one who was wanted on a Canada-wide warrant for attempted murder.
They are also looking to speak with a fourth man in relation to the shooting, who is described as about 20-years-old, 5’10” tall and about 160 pounds. He is known to wear a gold medallion around his neck.
Those with photos or videos can send them to homicidetips@calgarypolice.ca.
Bronco Smokehouse & Saloon has since released a statement expressing their sadness over the fatal shooting.
“We are deeply concerned about the tragic and senseless event that occurred early Saturday morning on 1st Street SW, outside of our premises. There is no information to provide at this time, as the incident occurred outside the premises and after the business was closed for the evening.
We would like to convey our thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of the victim(s)”
Police have not determined a motive or possible target in the shooting. This is Calgary’s 23rd homicide of the year.
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