A vicious assault is raising calls for improved safety and greater police presence in Calgary’s Chinatown.
An 83-year-old man is recovering in hospital from significant injuries after being attacked on Calgary Stampede parade day last Friday.
Witnesses told investigators they heard a man yelling and then saw someone running from the alley.
On Friday, police released photos captured from CCTV surveillance footage which show a man matching witness descriptions leaving the area.
The violence shocked many Chinatown residents. Some are now calling for a beefed-up police presence and bylaw security in their downtown Calgary district.
“The Chinatown BRZ is very concerned about the safety in Chinatown: safety for our seniors, safety for our business operators, as well as for visitors,” Terry Wong with Chinatown BRZ said. “We want to see increased patrols, both in terms of Calgary police, the bylaw, as well as the parking authority.”
Police said Monday that they haven’t yet been able to talk to the victim as he recovers in hospital from his injuries. Investigators told Global News they’ve received numerous tips from the public they hope will lead to an arrest in the case.
-With files from Gary Bobrovitz