Man charged following random downtown assaults

At least 10 people suffered minor injuries yesterday morning after a man randomly physically assaulted people within the downtown area. Police issued an alert to the public and deployed numerous officers into the area to locate the suspect who was apprehended mid-day.

On Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022, police were notified that a man had assaulted a security guard shortly after 7 a.m., in the 600 block of Macleod Trail S.E., after being denied entry to a premise.  After that, additional reports of random assaults were reported to police at the following locations:

·       300 block of Sixth Avenue S.E.

·       Third Street and Seventh Avenue S.E.

·       Third Street and Sixth Avenue S.E.

·       City Hall LRT platform

·       Macleod Trail and Eighth Avenue S.E.

·       10 Avenue and Fourth Street S.W.

·       Ninth Avenue and Centre Street

Victims received minor physical injuries and no weapons were reported during the assaults. Several of the victims from these assaults have not yet come forward to police, however, the assaults were reported by witnesses. It is believed that he travelled through several buildings including malls, Rocky Mountain Plaza and Bow Valley College. Investigators would like to speak to anyone who had physical contact with the suspect yesterday.

Shortly after 9 a.m., a member of the public called police to report a man matching the description of the suspect on a CTrain, however, his clothing was different than what had initially been shared with the public. The witness took a photo of the suspect, who had indeed swapped out his clothing. The photo was shared with officers who were searching for the suspect in the downtown area.

At 11:55 a.m., police were contacted by a bank within the CORE Shopping Centre, located at Seventh Avenue and Third Street S.W., for reports that a man matching the description of the suspect had entered the bank and threatened one of the tellers. Shortly after, police received a second report from a bank in the area of Seventh Avenue and First Street S.W., for a similar report of a man threatening tellers.

Officers honed in on the area and located the man, beginning a lengthy foot chase  throughout Plus 15s and city streets, ultimately culminating in the successful apprehension around 12:30 p.m., in the area of First Street and Third Avenue S.E.

Nhila Kual KUAL, 28, has been charged with eight counts of common assault and two counts of uttering threats. He remains in custody pending his next court appearance.

“The behaviour of this individual was absolutely unacceptable and the impact he had on our community can not be underscored. We are grateful to the media and the public who actively participated in providing information throughout the morning that assisted in his safe apprehension. This was a collective effort with our partners at bylaw and Transit and we extend our thanks to them as well,” says Calgary Police Service District 1 Staff Sgt. Kurt Jacobs.

Anyone with information about the events of yesterday, or who may have had physical contact with the suspect, is asked to contact police by calling 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 #22469346/5816/5894