CALGARY – The Calgary Police Service Homicide Unit is investigating a brazen early morning shooting in the community of Whitehorn on Tuesday that killed one man.
It happened in the 100 block of Whiteview Road N.E. at around 3 a.m.
Police said the victim was standing with a group of people when he was approached by a suspect who shot him. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Family members identified the man as 26-year-old Boutros Khalfan. They said he was heading to a party, but never made it inside the home.
Witnesses told Global News they heard at least three shots fired and a vehicle speeding away.
“This has been happening a lot in this area and it’s pretty scary,” said one woman who wished to remain anonymous. “I heard the gunshots and I seen (sic) a vehicle, and that is all I can say because I don’t want any retaliation or anything for this area.”
“I did hear and I did see a vehicle, and that’s all I can say for now. I have to get down to the police station.”
Investigators used police tape to cordon off a large area surrounding the victim’s body, which was covered by a tarp in the middle of the road. The HAWC helicopter and canine unit were called in to help officers search for a suspect.
At one point, members of The City of Calgary’s Animal and Bylaw Services were escorted into the area corned off by police. They entered a home and left with two dogs, one which appeared to be a Rottweiler. It’s unknown what, if anything, the animals had to do with the investigation.
“At this time, the shooting does not appear to be random,” said police in a Tuesday news release.
An autopsy is expected to be completed on Wednesday.
Police don’t have any suspects in custody.
Anyone with information is asked to call police or contact Crime Stoppers.
– With files from Doug Vaessen and Nancy Hixt
