CHARGED: Suspect sought in random stabbing

Officers from across the Calgary Police Service worked together last week to identify a man believed responsible for the random stabbing of a woman. Their great collaboration led to a search warrant being executed at a residence and the arrest of the suspect yesterday.

At the time of the original press release, a Need To Identify bulletin was circulated to all officers. An officer believed he recognized the suspect and investigators worked to establish his location. On Sunday, July 11, 2021, a search warrant was executed at a residence in the 2700 block of 12 Avenue S.E., and the suspect was subsequently arrested in southeast Calgary.

Ethan Daryl LAWLESS, 19, is charged with aggravated assault, remains in custody and will next appear in court on Wednesday, July 14, 2021.

Original release below.

Suspect sought in random stabbing

After following up on a number of investigative leads, we are turning to the public to help us identify and locate a man who randomly attacked a woman downtown.

At approximately 11:40 p.m., on Tuesday, July 6, 2021, a woman standing on the southwest corner of 7 Avenue and 1 Street S.W., was approached from behind by a man and stabbed multiple times. The suspect fled and a woman standing near her yelled for help. Officers were quick to arrive and rendered first aid to the victim who was transported to hospital in stable condition.

It is believed that this was a random attack, and that the victim and the suspect did not know each other. The investigation has revealed they had no prior interaction leading up to the stabbing.

Officers combed the downtown area on Wednesday searching for the suspect and for CCTV that would help in identifying him.

He is described as approximately 5’6" tall, with a slim build, blond or light-brown hair, wearing a black and white Metallica T-shirt, black shorts, white sneakers and a grey coat with a black and red stripe through it. Photos of the suspect are available on The City of Calgary Newsroom.

"The CCTV photos we were able to find are clear. Someone out there will know who this person is. Rest assured we will find this person and we will hold him accountable for this completely unacceptable violence," says District 1 Insp. Clare Smart. "Everyone has the right to move freely about our downtown without the fear or threat of violence. This behaviour is not tolerated, and we will put a stop to it."

Anyone with information about the suspect’s identity or whereabouts is asked to contact us by calling the non-emergency number at 403-266-1234. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers through any of the following methods:

TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org
APP: P3 Tips

Case #21258032/5706