Calgary Now

🚨 71-YEAR-OLD CALGARY MAN CHARGED WITH CHILD SEXUAL EXPLOITATION 🚨
​Here is everything you need to know:

​🚔 A 71-year-old Calgary man has been arrested and charged following an intensive investigation by the Calgary Police Service Child Abuse Unit.

​💻 Investigators allege the suspect used online platforms to engage in child sexual exploitation offenses over a multi-month period.

​🛡️ Police executed a search warrant at a residence in northwest Calgary, seizing multiple electronic devices that are currently undergoing forensic examination.

​⚖️ The accused has been charged with invitation to sexual touching, telecommunication for the purpose of child sexual exploitation, and possession of child po*******hy. He remains in custody pending his next court appearance.

​"Our Child Abuse Unit works tirelessly to investigate these online threats and protect vulnerable young people in our city," Calgary Police Service stated in a release regarding the ongoing enforcement.

​
​Source: Calgary Herald

🚨 HOMICIDE UNIT INVESTIGATING HOTEL DEATH 🚨

​Calgary police are investigating after a man was found dead inside a northeast hotel late Sunday night.

​📍 The Scene: Officers responded to reports of medical distress at the Emerald Hotel and Suites in Sunridge around 11:10 p.m. on Sunday, discovering a man deceased inside.

🚔 The Investigation: The death is currently being treated as suspicious, and the homicide unit has taken over the case.

🔒 Current Status: Police currently have one person in custody and believe this was a targeted incident with no ongoing threat to the public. An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday.

​Do you feel safe staying in hotels around the city, or do incidents like this make you double-check the locks? Let us know below! 👇🗣️
​
Source: Calgary Police Service

🚨 GUNS SEIZED IN NE CALGARY ORGANIZED CRIME INVESTIGATION 🚨

​Here is everything you need to know:

​🛑 Police arrested one man and seized two handguns during an April 16 search of a vehicle and two homes in northeast Calgary.

​🔫 During the vehicle search, Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) also found magazines, am******on, and shell casings.

​⚠️ One of the seized handguns had its serial number defaced, while the other was reported as stolen out of Manitoba.

​⚖️ Ikjot Sidhu, 19, is facing multiple weapons-related charges. He was released from custody and is scheduled for a court appearance on May 29.

​“Gun violence is a serious public safety issue that impacts Calgary and other communities across the province,” said Staff Sgt. Ryan Smart. “ALERT works closely with our partners at the Calgary Police Service to share intelligence and take illegal fi****ms off the street.”

​
​Source: CTV News | Reporter: Melissa Gilligan

📚 ALBERTA'S 'BANNED BOOKS' SELLING OUT IN RECORD TIME AT CALGARY BOOK SALE 🚨
​Here is everything you need to know:

​📈 Organizers of a massive multi-day book sale in Calgary report that books recently challenged or removed from some school libraries across Alberta are flying off the shelves, with several titles selling out within hours.

💡 Shoppers are actively seeking out these controversial books, expressing a strong desire to read the content firsthand and support the principle of intellectual freedom.

🗣️ The sale has seen an unprecedented level of interest in young adult and graphic novel titles that have been the subject of recent public debate, with some buyers purchasing multiple copies.

​“I wanted to make sure I had copies of books that people are trying to prevent other people from reading, so that I have the opportunity to share them with others or have them for my own kids.” — Stephanie, Calgary book sale shopper

​What are your thoughts on the surging popularity of challenged books in Calgary?
Do you feel it’s important to read books that have been restricted or banned elsewhere?
Drop your perspective in the comments below! 👇🗣️
​
​Source: CityNews | Reporter: Adeline Gladu

🚨 2 DEAD, 3 HOSPITALIZED IN TRAGIC HIGHWAY CRASH NORTHEAST OF CALGARY 🚨

Here is everything you need to know:

💥 A devastating collision occurred Sunday morning at the intersection of Highways 9 and 564, approximately 30 kilometres northeast of Calgary.

🚗 The crash involved a GMC truck pulling a trailer and a Ford Escape. Tragically, two women traveling in the Ford Escape lost their lives.

🚁 Three others were hospitalized, including a man and a child in critical condition, with the child being urgently airlifted by STARS Air Ambulance.

🚔 The driver of the GMC truck was also taken to the hospital in serious condition. RCMP continue to investigate the cause of the fatal crash and have since reopened the highway.

“Airdrie RCMP responded to the crash at 10:39 a.m. at the intersection of Highways 9 and 564, about 30 kilometres northeast of Calgary.” — RCMP

Our deepest condolences go out to the families affected by this tragedy. Please drive safe and leave your messages of support below. 👇🗣️


Source: CBC News | Reporter: CBC News & Amir Said

🚨 ONE DEAD FOLLOWING EARLY MORNING TARGETED ASSAULT IN WOODLANDS 🚨

Here is everything you need to know:

💔 Calgary police are investigating a fatal stabbing that occurred in the southwest community of Woodlands early Wednesday morning.

🚓 Officers were called to the 2100 block of Woodview Drive S.W. around 5:40 a.m. for reports of a serious assault. Tragically, one person succumbed to their injuries at the scene.

⚠️ Investigators currently believe the incident was a targeted attack. The surrounding roads and a local strip mall were closed for several hours as a large crime scene was established.

🗣️ The victim's autopsy is scheduled for Thursday. Shaken area residents note that property crime and disturbances have recently been escalating in the neighbourhood.

“When we respond to calls like this, it's important to capture all the evidence available. It often necessitates a large crime scene, and a little bit of inconvenience for residents, but it's part of our job and being thorough.” — Acting Insp. Mike Anderson, Calgary Police

Do you live in or near the Woodlands community?

Have you noticed an increase in crime or
suspicious activity in the area lately? 👇🗣️


Source: CTV News | Reporter: Michael Franklin

🚨 FIRST COURT APPEARANCE FOR FATHER ACCUSED IN TRAGIC DEATHS OF TWO CHILDREN 🚨
Here is everything you need to know:

⚖️ The 37-year-old Calgary father facing two counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of his young children made a brief first court appearance via CCTV on Monday.

🛑 A publication ban currently protects the identities of the three- and five-year-old victims, meaning the accused father—identified only by the initials MM—also cannot be named.

📅 The accused did not speak during the brief appearance, other than to acknowledge he understood the proceedings. He will remain in custody at the Calgary Remand Centre, with the case put over for a month to allow his defense to review documents.

🚔 Court documents suggest police believe the children were killed on Wednesday, April 29, the day before the father drove to the District 3 station, called 911, and confessed to the crime.

"He was brought back to our investigative building where he was interviewed and he provided a statement confessing to what had occurred." — Staff Sgt. Mark Rahn, Calgary Police Service

As this tragic case moves through the courts, our thoughts remain with the community and the loved ones affected. Please leave your thoughts below. 👇🗣️


Source: CBC News | Reporter: Meghan Grant

🚨 DEVASTATING TRAGEDY: FATHER CHARGED WITH FIRST-DEGREE MURDER IN DEATHS OF TWO YOUNG CHILDREN 🚨
​Here is everything you need to know:

​💔 Calgary police have charged a 37-year-old father with two counts of first-degree murder after the bodies of his 5-year-old son and 3-year-old daughter were discovered in an SUV parked near the District 3 police station.

📞 Authorities say the accused called 911 himself to confess to the killings, surrendering to officers who found him standing outside the vehicle.

🚔 The children's mother had contacted police the day prior when they were not returned from a scheduled outing. A publication ban currently protects the identities of the accused and the victims.

🕯️ The local community is now wrapping its arms around the grieving mother, who has no other family in Canada, as she mourns this unimaginable loss at her church.

​“This is a devastating and unimaginable loss. Discovering dead children is incredibly traumatic, not just for us, but for everyone who attended.” — Staff Sgt. Mark Rahn, Calgary Police Service

​Our hearts break for the mother, the community, and the first responders who attended this tragic scene.

Please leave your messages of support and condolences below. 👇🕯️
​

​Source: CityNews / The Canadian Press | Reporter: Michael Ranger & The Canadian Press

🚨 98 CHARGES LAID IN NORTHEAST CALGARY MAILBOX THEFT BUST 🚨
Here is everything you need to know

📬 Two men have been hit with a staggering 98 combined charges following a police investigation into a series of community mailbox break-ins in northeast Calgary.

🚁 On April 21, officers responded to reports of active break-ins in the Skyview Point area. With the help of the HAWCS police helicopter, they quickly located the suspects' vehicle and conducted a traffic stop.

💳 During the stop, police seized break-and-enter tools alongside a massive haul of stolen mail, including cheques, credit cards, and identification documents.

🛑 Investigators believe more than 35 victims have been impacted by these extensive thefts.

"More than 35 victims are believed to be impacted by these thefts. Stolen items including cheques, credit cards and identification documents were seized by investigators." — Calgary Police Service

Have you noticed any suspicious activity around the community mailboxes in your neighbourhood recently? Drop your thoughts below! 👇🗣️


Source: City of Calgary Newsroom | Reporter: Calgary Police Media Relations

🚨 LETHBRIDGE IMPAIRED DRIVER SENTENCED TO 8 YEARS IN FATAL CRASH THAT KILLED CALGARY TEEN 🚨

Here is everything you need to know:

⚖️ Mark Briggs, 34, of Lethbridge, has been sentenced to eight years in prison following a devastating head-on collision on Highway 3 near Coalhurst.

🚗 The horrific August crash occurred when Briggs, driving impaired, caused a fiery collision with another vehicle carrying a woman and three teenagers from Calgary.

🕊️ Tragically, a 13-year-old Calgary girl lost her life due to her injuries, and several others were seriously hurt, including Briggs' own 7-year-old son who was left in critical condition.

🚔 Briggs faced 15 criminal code offenses, including impaired driving causing death and dangerous driving causing bodily harm, leading to his lengthy prison sentence.

“Mark Briggs... has been charged with 15 criminal code offences related to the crash... including operating a motor vehicle while impaired causing death.” — RCMP

This is a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating and permanent consequences of impaired driving. Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the young victim. Please share your thoughts below. 👇🗣️


Source: Calgary Herald | Reporter: Calgary Herald Staff