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Teen charged after swinging machete at Calgary Zoo visitors in parking lot: police

Police vehicles are seen at Calgary Police Service headquarters in Calgary on Thursday, April 9, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

A 17-year-old boy faces eight charges after police were called to the Calgary Zoo’s north parking lot Tuesday night for reports of someone swinging a machete at people and vehicles.

Police told Global News that the incident began to unfold at about 6:30 p.m. and numerous calls were made to 911.

Investigators believe the attacks were random and that the suspect arrived in the area by CTrain.

Officers located and arrested the suspect on the Memorial Drive bridge. Investigators believe the teenager had been drinking and is believed to have been on drugs.

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A Calgary Police Service official indicated on Tuesday night that two people had sustained minor injuries as a result of the incident but did not disclose how they were injured. A number of vehicles were also damaged. On Wednesday afternoon, police confirmed that only one person had been injured and their injuries were considered minor.

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The teen, who cannot be named due to the fact he’s a minor, has been charged with:

  • Two counts of assault with a weapon
  • Three counts of mischief to property
  • Three counts of breach of release conditions

Police did not disclose details regarding the accused’s criminal history that resulted in release conditions

At the time of the incident, the zoo was filled with guests for the annual “ZOOLIGHTS” attraction that runs each day from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m.

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