Calgary homicide unit investigates after body found in truck along 16 Ave NW

Calgary police are investigating a suspicious death in the northwest Monday morning as a targeted shooting.

The homicide unit was brought to the area of 16 Avenue NW between 3rd and 4th streets after a body was discovered in a 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche pickup truck.

Police told Global News multiple gunshots were reported in the area starting at around 12:30 a.m.

Witnesses told police the victim was stopped at a red light when someone in another vehicle pulled up beside him, exited that vehicle, fired several rounds and sped away east on 16 Avenue N.W.

EMS confirmed with Global News that paramedics were called to the scene around 12:45 a.m.

“This was a significantly violent attack on a busy road in our city,” S.Sgt. Sean Gregson of the CPS homicide unit said in a news release. “While we are still relatively early in the investigation, we are dedicating a number of resources to suppress further violence and hold those responsible accountable.”

Residents in the area told Global News they were surprised that something like this could happen in their neighbourhood.

Deifante Walters said the incident happened just outside his bedroom.

“If it was Saturday I would have been out at the same time in my backyard, hanging out. It’s disconcerting people are bringing automatic weapons, using them outside in my backyard,” he said.

Kailey Lewis said she heard some commotion outside her window, which faces 16 Avenue. She didn’t know what happened until she spoke to the officers at the scene.

“It’s very uncomfortable… You don’t expect that kind of thing in Calgary in the suburbs,” she said.

The truck has since been removed and only a few police remain in the area.

Traffic was blocked off for the earlier portion of the morning, though the roadway reopened after 6 a.m.

No details regarding the gender or age of the victim have been released; however, CPS said a news release is expected to be sent out.

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–With files from Jill Croteau, Global News