WATCH: Calgary Police are using a unique new piece of equipment in the investigation of two drive by shootings at the same home in Rundle. Gary Bobrovitz reports.
CALGARY- For the first time, Calgary police are using complex surveillance technology to monitor a home in the Rundle community that’s been targeted in two shootings in the last five months.
On Monday, officers were called to the 700 block of Rundleside Drive N.E. at about 1 a.m. for reports of a shooting that damaged the front door and front window. Three shots were also fired at the home on Jan. 1; two bullets entered the home and one hit the garage. Neither shooting resulted in injuries.
Police are using a surveillance “cluster” of five cameras set up outside the northeast Calgary home. The cameras are monitored 24/7 in real time. All angles are being recorded by a remote police computer that police say works to take very clear pictures, even at night.
“The cameras that have been posted in the community of Rundle are there as a visible deterrent to further acts of violence in that community,” said Staff Sgt. Quinn Jacques. “The secondary objective of having that camera deployed is to collect data or evidence.”
The home is owned by Ossama Abbas and Fatme Kaddoura, who are now divorced. Kaddoura lives in the home with her son and his wife.
Neighbours say they’re concerned for their safety.
“It’s a little unnerving knowing there’s drug dealers right there that are shooting at each other and stuff,” said a neighbour who asked not to be identified. “So now that there’s a camera here, they will catch the culprits—well, hopefully, but we will see how long they leave the camera there.”
Investigators say the camera is part of a multi-disciplinary approach to the case that includes officers going door-to-door to gather evidence from people who live in the community.
Police are also handing out flyers notifying residents of the video surveillance that’s been set up.
“This step is strictly in the interest of public safety and to prevent further offences,” says the flyer. “Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact the CPS Gang Hotline at 403-428-8191 or CPSGRIP@calgarypolice.ca.”
Investigators from the Gang Reduction Intervention Prevention (GRIP) unit continue to work on the case. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 403-266-1234 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, www.calgarycrimestoppers.org.
Watch below: A home in the Northeast community of Rundle was shot at for the second time this year. Gary Bobrovitz reports on June 1.
With files from Melissa Ramsay
Comments