Gunman at large after shooting

A man was taken to hospital on New Year’s Eve after being shot in the stomach outside a southeast home.

Police are calling it a targeted attack and say a male suspect has been identified, but he has not yet been taken into custody. Officers and paramedics were called to a light grey bungalow in the community of Acadia in the 400 block of Athlone Road S.E. shortly after 10 p.m.

“A female had called to say her boyfriend had been shot outside their home,” said Det. Steve Adair.

When police and EMS arrived, they discovered a man in his early 30s in the backyard with a gunshot wound to the stomach.

He was rushed to Foothills Hospital in serious, potentially lifethreatening condition, said EMS spokesman Stuart Brideaux.

The woman and a baby were the only other people at home at the time and neither was injured.

“The victim and the offender may know each other,” Adair said.

The suspect was at large but police didn’t believe there was a risk to the public because it’s considered a targeted attack.

K9 and tactical teams were deployed to search for the suspect.

As the snow fell, officers — including members of the gang suppression team — probed the scene around the cordoned-off home.

Neighbour Nicole Brandt said she was watching a movie when she heard what sounded like a bang. She didn’t think anything was amiss until she saw eight to 10 officers “swarming” the home.

Brandt said the residents are new to the area and she doesn’t know much about them except one owns a landscaping business and his truck and trailer are often parked outside in the alley.

She added she has noticed people coming and going at the home.

“This street in particular is very quiet. We know each other well, that’s for sure,” said the 22-year resident. “That’s why this is so alarming.”