Charges pending in gun call at restaurant
Charges are pending against a man after it is alleged he brandished a weapon in a restaurant, causing more than 30 people to flee.
Calgary police officers were in Marlborough Mall on an unrelated call when they noticed people screaming and fleeing from the McDonald’s within the Walmart just after 6 p.m., on Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2017. One witness told officers that a man was brandishing what appeared to be a gun.
Four patrol officers conducted a rapid intervention into the area. Upon arrival officers saw one man pinning another man against a wall in an attempt to wrestle the gun away from him.
The Good Samaritan, a 28-year-old man, had been eating in the restaurant when he witnessed the man reach into a bag and remove a gun that he believed might be an AR-15 rifle.
Officers were able to safely take the suspect into custody without further incident. Following the arrest a search revealed a small quantity of crack cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin and marijuana in his possession. Although designed to look real, the gun was later determined to be a paintball gun. A photo of the gun is available on The City of Calgary Newsroom.
Witnesses report more than 30 people had been in the restaurant at the time of the incident. Witnesses say people were pushing, stepping on one another and screaming during their panicked attempt to flee the area.
Police do not yet know what prompted the man to brandish the gun. The investigation continues.
A 32-year-old man is facing numerous drug and weapons charges. His name and a list of charges will be released once he has seen a Justice of the Peace.
The CPS would like to acknowledge the bravery of the Good Samaritan and thank all the members of the public who assisted in this incident.
“The actions of the Good Samaritan in this incident are nothing short of heroic. While we don’t encourage people to put themselves in harm’s way, there is no doubt that had this been a real firearm, he would have saved countless lives. This is yet another example of why we are proud to serve Calgarians,” says Acting Inspector Rod Harbridge.
Case #17348932