April 20, 1982: Peter Pocklington shot in daring hostage drama
Edmonton businessman Peter Pocklington, his wife Eva, and two of their staff were taken hostage inside their Saskatchewan Drive home by Yugoslavian immigrant Mirko Petrovic.
Less than an hour later, TV cameras filmed Eva escaping.
Police surrounded the house, and hours of intense negotiations began between the 29-year-old kidnapper and Det. Jim Cessford.
Petrovic was persuaded to release the two employees.
Meanwhile, police snipers managed to slip into the house.
A suitcase with $1 million in ransom was placed near a side door.
Pocklington was dragged down the stairs by the hostagetaker to pick up the money.
A police officer inside the home fired his gun, wounding both men.
The next day, Pocklington held a news conference from his hospital bed, thanking police for saving his life.
A few months later, Petrovic pleaded guilty to kidnapping and other charges and was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
He was later deported to Yugoslavia.