An elderly woman was taken to hospital with serious injuries after being attacked with a sword in a community southwest of Calgary early Friday.
At around 12:45 a.m. RCMP and paramedics were called to a home on River Drive North in Bragg Creek, where a woman in her 70s was found suffering multiple, serious lacerations.
She was taken to the hospital, where AHS said the women was in serious, but stable condition.
RCMP said the elderly woman called police herself.
“Members on scene applied a tourniquet to stabilize her and quickly tried to get her safe with EMS and arrested the suspect who was still in the house,” Cochrane RCMP Cpl. Troy Savinkoff said.
Savinkoff said the 79-year-old victim is related to the 19-year-old who was arrested.
Forensic investigators were gathering evidence throughout the day.
Mounties said there were no concerns for public safety.
‘It sounds really drastic’
A contractor working on the home across the street from the crime scene, who didn’t want to give his name, told Global News he was shocked to hear about the incident.
“It sounds really drastic. Kind of a crazy thing to show up in the morning to hear that.”
The area is somewhat secluded and those who call the street home generally keep to themselves. Many of the residents are weekenders and rental property owners, with only a handful living there full-time.
“The first question people ask is, ‘Why did this happen?’” Savinkoff said. “We have no indication of a potential motive and our investigators are looking into possible reasons for this vicious assault.
“What happened last night is shocking. Our hearts go out to victim, her injuries are serious and will be long-lasting.”
Neighbours who wanted to remain anonymous told Global News they’d seen the teen with a sword down by the river. They also said he went door-to-door trying to sell swords a little while ago.
RCMP said they have been able to speak to the victim.
Authorities expect to lay charges of aggravated assault and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
Bragg Creek is about 30 kilometres southwest of Calgary.