Police attend Calgary Municipal Building after report of arson

One man was taken into custody this morning after multiple fires were set at Calgary Municipal Building.

Today, Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2022, we were called at approximately 4 a.m. to the Calgary Municipal Building, located at 800 Macleod Trail S.E., for reports of a man brandishing a weapon and setting fire to multiple areas inside the building.

It is believed the man gained access to the building by smashing the glass in the front of the building while carrying a large-edged weapon. Once inside, he began to light fires throughout the building while becoming increasingly more agitated and aggressive.

After multiple attempts to subdue the man, he was eventually taken into custody and transported to the hospital for an assessment.

The man is a Police and Crisis Team (PACT) client, and this incident highlights the importance of working with Alberta Health Services to offer assessment, support, and consultation for people experiencing a mental health crisis.

“While in many cases intervention and coordination through our partnership is successful in avoiding a mental health crisis becoming a police matter, unfortunately, there are instances that are violent in nature and require an adequate police response,” says Superintendent Asif Rashid of the Calgary Police Service. “Out of consideration and compassion for the man and his current mental health, we will not release his name. We are relieved that no one was injured and he is now getting the care he needs.”

The Calgary Municipal Building remains closed as City of Calgary staff assesses the damage.

Anyone with information about this incident 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

CA#22313281/4432