A 47-year-old Calgary man faces five counts of attempted murder after being accused of deliberately striking multiple pedestrians with his vehicle in a Lethbridge, Alta., parking lot last week.
Officers were called out on Friday around 6:30 p.m. to the parking lot of VisitLethbridge.com Arena (formerly Enmax Centre), located in the 2500 block of Scenic Drive South.
They discovered a 77-year-old woman, a 77-year-old man and a 46-year-old man who were seriously injured after being struck by a vehicle in the arena’s parking lot.
The victims were transported to hospital with serious injuries, but were listed in stable condition.
The driver fled the scene before officers arrived, but a short time later, police said he and his vehicle were spotted at a convenience store along Bluefox Boulevard North.
Investigators said the driver entered the store and attempted to purchase several items, but when his card was declined, he threatened a staff member and left with the merchandise.
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He was arrested by a short time later along Riverbottom Road North.
Police alleged, following further investigation, that the driver deliberately tried to hit the victims with his vehicle.
“We’re trying to determine if there’s any connection between the victims and the subject,” said Staff. Sgt. Ashlin Snowdon.
“There’s no evidence to indicate that the attacks were against any identifiable group,” Snowdon added.
Christopher David Hegg, 47, of Calgary has now been charged with:
- five counts of attempted murder
- three counts of assault with a weapon
- three counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm
- one count each of dangerous operation of a vehicle
- one count of uttering threats
- one count of theft under $5,000
Police said Hegg, who was known to police, was not impaired at the time of the incident.
He was remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday.
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