Man charged for random attacks on five people and injuring officer

While investigating a possible hit and run downtown, officers discovered a man who was allegedly randomly attacking people and later arrested him in the Arts Commons building. During the arrest he assaulted officers, resulting in the injury of one officer. Investigators are asking for anyone who may have witnessed or had contact with the suspect during the course of events last night to contact police.

Shortly after 7 p.m., on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, police were called to the 800 block of Macleod Trail S.E., for reports of a hit and run. While investigating the nature of the collision, officers reviewed CCTV footage and observed a man walk up to a family who were walking along Macleod Trail S.E., between Eighth and Ninth Avenue S.E., and strike a man multiple times, causing him to fall to the ground, where he was struck multiple times again. The victim was able to defend himself and get away from the attack. Police have spoken with this family, and any witnesses are asked to come forward.

Further review of CCTV footage revealed a few minutes later, an unknown man and woman left the Arts Commons building and were walking towards Macleod Trail S.E. The suspect approached the man and pointed a ‘finger gun’ at the man before striking him. The victims were able to get away. Police have not yet identified these individuals and are looking to speak to them.

Shortly after, the suspect then approached another couple walking northbound on Macleod Trail S.E. He attacked a man, striking him in the face. Police have not spoken with this victim.

The suspect then went on to run at another man, pushing him on the back causing him to fall to the ground. The victim got up and attempted to flee, running into traffic and was nearly struck by vehicles. Police have spoken with this victim.

At approximately 7:20 p.m., the suspect approached a family who were leaving Olympic Plaza, walking southbound on Macleod Trail S.E., and struck a man in the face. The family were able to defend themselves and found a nearby peace officer to report the incident.

While reviewing CCTV, officers observed the man go into the Arts Commons building and immediately began to search for him. The suspect was located and during the attempted arrest, one officer was injured. The officer was taken to hospital and later released.

The suspect was also taken to hospital for evaluation. Dawson Bailey RICHARDSON, 29, has been charged with three counts of assault, one count of mischief, two counts of resisting arrest and one count of assaulting a police officer. He remains in custody and will next appear in court on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023. The investigation is ongoing and further charges are expected.

Any of the above-mentioned unidentified victims, and anyone who may have witnessed the encounters or who had contact with the suspect downtown yesterday evening, is asked to contact the police non-emergency number at 403-266-1234, or Crime Stoppers  anonymously through any of the following methods:

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

Case #23005542