The Calgary Police Service has confirmed a stabbing in a southwest Calgary dog park Saturday night was a random attack.
According to police, a 15-year-old boy was walking his dog with his mother in an off-leash area located in the 1500 block of 110 Avenue S.W. in the community of Braeside.
At around 7:50 p.m., they were approached by a stranger, and the boy was stabbed.
“The whole situation is quite concerning for us: one for the random nature of this as well as the age of the victim,” said Staff Sgt. Jeff MacQueen on Sunday.
Police said there was an altercation, but the motive for the random stabbing is unclear.
The boy was taken to the Alberta Children’s Hospital in serious but stable, non-life-threatening condition. Police said he experienced serious internal injuries, and will likely be in hospital recovering for the “next while.”
“In the coming days, we’ll be visiting him a bit more and his mother to try and get information and work with them as we go forward,” MacQueen said.
Following the attack, the suspect ran into the community of Southwood, using the pedestrian bridge in the dog park.
Concern echoed among dog owners who frequent the park, including Ginny Gonzales, who goes there nearly every day.
Police said although the attack was unprovoked, the public should not be concerned for their safety.
“We don’t have any information or any evidence to indicate that this is ongoing or going to happen again. There’s nothing to indicate that anyone’s being targeted out there,” said MacQueen.
The suspect is described as a man between 40 and 50 years old, and wearing dark clothing and a three-quarter-length jacket with reflective markings on it.
Officers canvassed the area and reviewed CCTV footage.
CPS is asking anyone who may have been in the area of Braeside and Southwood around the time of the attack to contact police. Residents in the area with CCTV are also being asked to check their footage for anything suspicious.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the CPS by calling 403-266-1234. Tips can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers.
– With files from Jodi Hughes