Man in custody after German tourist shot near Cochrane
Mounties in Cochrane CALGARY have one man in custody after a brazen drive-by shooting that sent a German tourist to hospital in critical condition.
Police say the 60-year-old German man was shot in the head Thursday, potentially leaving the victim with lasting injuries.
Police initially said the shooting could have been the result of a road rage incident, but Cochrane RCMP now say they no longer believe this to be the case.
“Intelligence gathered led the RCMP to a residential location where a black four-door Chrysler Sebring was seized and secured for forensic examination,” RCMP said Friday. “One adult male who was at the property has been detained.”
RCMP Cpl. Laurel Scott said the man’s involvement in the incident remains under investigation.
“We are being very clear not to say that we have arrested the male suspect — rather we have made an arrest and are now determining his involvement in the incident,” she said.
RCMP said several theories are being studied to determine a motive for the shooting.
“Information to this point strongly suggests that this was not a case of road rage, nor a random incident. None of the occupants of the Durango were the intended targets of the shooting.”
Mounties said Friday they were being flooded with tips as they searched for the gunman.
The man was shot shortly after noon Thursday while driving with his family toward Banff along Highway 1A just west of Morley.
Cochrane RCMP Sgt. Tom Kalis said a bullet penetrated the 60-year-old man’s head. He was conscious and talking when he was airlifted to a Calgary hospital.
“The victim did undergo surgery (Thursday) night,” Kalis said on Friday. “He pulled through the surgery, but might have some lasting, permanent effects as a result of the trauma.” RCMP said the man remains in hospital in critical, but stable condition.
Kalis said investigators have been able to confirm the shot came from a passing vehicle, described as a small, older model black car. Driving the vehicle was a Caucasian male with long, dark hair.
“This was somebody who pulled up beside them, lowered the passenger-side window, pointed a firearm and discharged a shot into his head,” said Kalis.
“This was a very intentional act.” RCMP were also looking to speak with the driver of an RV driving eastbound on Highway 1A between 11:45 a.m. and 11:55 a.m. Police said they believed the driver witnessed the incident that prompted him to call 911. He left the scene shortly after.