Editor’s note: A previous version of this story stated Safar Al Safari was targeted when he was shot, based on a news release from the Calgary Police Service. In an update, police said while they believe the shooting was targeted, Safari wasn’t the intended target.
A 21-year-old Calgary man who died after being dropped off at the Peter Lougheed Centre was accidentally hit in a targeted shooting, police said, and the homicide unit is investigating his death.
Safar Al Safari was identified on Monday, and investigators believe he was shot in the area of 84 Street and McKnight Boulevard N.E. before being left at the hospital at about 9 p.m.
It’s believed Safari was in the area with a group of people who were in multiple vehicles when he was shot. Investigators believe the shooting was targeted.
“We believe Mr. Safari probably was not the intended target,” said Staff Sgt. Colin Chisholm with the homicide unit.
Chisholm said it was too early in the investigation to say whether Safari’s death was a case of mistaken identity, or if he was shot because he was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
It’s believed some of the people at the gathering knew each other, Chisholm said, and investigators don’t yet know whether the shooting was gang-related.
Officers are looking to speak with anyone who may have dashcam footage, or who may have seen suspicious activity in the area between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Friday.
Anyone with information can contact Calgary police at 403-428-8877 or 403-266-1234. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers.
Calgary police are expected to provide an update on the situation on Monday afternoon at 3 p.m.
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