Three individuals are now facing multiple charges, including robbery and kidnapping, following an incident where a man was coerced into the trunk of his vehicle and driven to the outskirts of Calgary. The event unfolded in a park in northwest Calgary during the early hours of August 18, involving a 31-year-old man who was walking his dog. According to authorities, he was confronted by an assailant brandishing a knife, leading to a physical confrontation. Subsequently, two more individuals arrived at the scene, allegedly forcing the victim into the car’s trunk before driving away. The altercation took place near the 200 block of Lucas Blvd. N.W. in the Livingston neighborhood.
Upon reaching Wagon Wheel Crescent, approximately nine kilometers northeast of the park, the suspects released the man from the trunk and absconded with the vehicle. The victim sustained minor injuries, including cuts to his hands, and sought help from a passing driver who notified the RCMP. Later that same day, Calgary police located the vehicle in the Rundle neighborhood of northeast Calgary.
The authorities trailed the car as it exited the city at high speed, leading them to Innisfail, Alberta, about 109 kilometers north of Calgary, with assistance from the RCMP and the Helicopter Air Watch for Community Safety (HAWCS). Subsequently, the car pulled into a parking lot in Innisfail, where the RCMP apprehended the female driver and two male passengers. Notably, there were two children in the vehicle at the time of the arrest.
Describing the incident as perilous for both the kidnapped victim and the children in the speeding vehicle, Calgary Police Service (CPS) Staff Sgt. Keith Shufelt emphasized the gravity of the situation in a news release on Friday. The two male suspects, aged 31 and 21, were charged with kidnapping and robbery. The older suspect faced additional charges of possessing a dangerous weapon, an assault weapon, and breaching conditions. They are currently in custody and are scheduled to appear in court on September 16 and August 28, respectively. The 25-year-old female driver was charged with possession of stolen property over $5,000 and dangerous driving, with a court appearance set for September 18.
Authorities are actively seeking to identify a third suspect connected to the kidnapping. It was confirmed that the victim’s dog was safely recovered and reunited with its owner.