Calgary police are releasing new photos of a brazen daytime shooting in the community of Upper Mount Royal last year that almost killed Calgary businessman Riaz Mamdani.
The shooting occurred in the 2200 block of 7 Street S.W. at around 8:05 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 19, 2016.
When emergency crews arrived, they found Mamdani inside his vehicle suffering from gunshot wounds. Mamdani, founder and CEO of Strategic Group, has since recovered from his injuries.
A short time after the shooting, firefighters were called to a car fire a few blocks away in the 3800 block of 7 Street S.W.
On Wednesday, police confirmed the car fire is believed to be connected to the shooting, saying it’s thought the Hyundai Santa Fe was deliberately set on fire after it was seen racing from the scene.
Hoping it will help prompt tips from the public, police released photos of the Mamdani’s windshield and credit card on Wednesday, both of which were struck by bullets. The titanium credit card was in the pocket of a suit vest being worn by Mamdani at the time of the shooting.
In addition, police released photos of the charred Santa Fe.
“The photos show how violent this encounter was,” Staff Sgt. Jodi Gach said at a Wednesday news conference. “This attack occurred as people were leaving for work, and children were leaving for school.”
“The culprit’s reckless disregard for public safety easily could have had fatal implications for not just the victim, but for the people in this neighbourhood.”
Gach said police have confirmed who owned the Santa Fe, and confirmed the vehicle was stolen when it was used in the shooting.
Police said a motive for the attack remains “unconfirmed,” but it was thought to be targeted.
Since the shooting, police said they’ve pursued numerous investigative leads and have gathered new information about the shooting. However, detectives aren’t releasing the new details to protect the integrity of the investigation.
“A lot can happen in a year,” Gach added. “People can talk and allegiances can change. We know there are people out there who know what happened and we want to speak with them.”
Anyone with information about the shooting, or who may have seen the Santa Fe in the days or hours before the incident, is asked to call a tip line established in relation to this case at 403-428-8400 or 1-855-738-8400 (toll-free). They can also email MRS@calgarypolice.ca or contact Crime Stoppers.
Friends of Riaz Mamdani offer reward for information
On Wednesday morning, friends and business associates of Mamdani announced they have funded a Canada-wide $250,000 reward for the arrest and conviction of the person, or people, responsible for his shooting.
In a statement, the group, dubbed The Friends of Riaz, said it is hopeful the reward will help justice be served.
The statement goes on to quote Mamdani, who calls the shooting a “life-altering moment.”
“There are no words to adequately describe the emotions one experiences as a victim of crime,” he said. “I am overwhelmed and humbled with the magnitude of financial support offered.”
To be eligible for the reward, those with information need to call or email Calgary police via the tip line (above) and provide their name and contact details so that investigators can obtain their information.