A Calgary man is facing charges after allegedly assaulting random victims at two Calgary malls.
One victim of the attacks suffered minor injuries, according to Calgary police, and another sustained serious injuries.
According to the Calgary Police Service (CPS), at around 9:20 a.m., on Thursday, May 30 officers were called to the food court area on the fourth floor of TD Square, located at 336 Eighth Avenue S.W., for reports that a person had been assaulted. The suspect fled on foot and the victim was transported to a nearby medical facility for treatment of minor injuries.
While police were obtaining a description of the suspect from the first assault, a second assault was reported at Chinook Mall, located at 6455 Macleod Trail S.W. Around 11:40 a.m., several witnesses called 9-1-1 to report they had witnessed a stabbing near the north entrance.
According to police, Good Samaritans and mall security provided emergency first aid to the victim until EMS arrived and transported the victim to hospital in serious condition. His condition was later upgraded to stable condition, although he remains in hospital.
The suspect fled the scene and was quickly located at the Chinook CTrain Station by police, where he was taken into custody without further incident. The suspect was transported to hospital for injuries believed to have been sustained in the attack at Chinook Mall.
Investigators believe both attacks to be random in nature.
“We would like to thank the Good Samaritans who came forward to help the victims. Our officers were quick to locate the suspect after the stabbing and we remain committed to ensuring our public spaces remain free from violent and dangerous behaviour,” says Staff Sgt. Paul Ralstin. “We are working with our partners in the social and justice systems to find ways to hold people accountable for behaviour that puts our community at real, and perceived, risk.”
Lyle Kaszas, 37, of Calgary, has been charged with aggravated assault and assault. He will next appear in court on Monday, June 3, 2024.
Anyone who was affected by witnessing these events is encouraged to connect with our Victim Assistance Support Team (VAST) by calling 403-428-8398 or toll-free at 1-888-327-7828.
VAST is a free service provided to victims of crime and tragedy. More information is available at: https://www.calgary.ca/cps/community-programs-and-resources/victims-of-crime/victim-assistance-support-team.html
