Man charged in two ‘random’ attacks at Calgary shopping malls

Calgary police say a man has been charged in two random attacks that happened at shopping malls in the city on Thursday, leaving one person with minor injuries and another seriously hurt.

Investigators say around 9:20 a.m. on Thursday, police were called to the food court area on the fourth floor of TD Square on 8 Avenue SW for reports of an assault.

The suspect left the area on foot and the victim was taken to a nearby medical facility for treatment of minor injuries.

While police were getting a description of the suspect from the first assault, a second assault was reported at Chinook Mall on Macleod Trail SW, around 11:40 a.m.

According to investigators, several witnesses called 911 to report they had seen a stabbing near the north entrace to the shopping centre.

Good Samaritans and mall security gave emergency first aid to the victim until EMS got to the scene and took the person to hospital in serious condition.

RELATED: Suspect in custody after stabbing at Chinook Centre Mall

Police say the man’s condition was later upgraded to stable, but he is still in hospital as of Friday morning.

In the Chinook assault, investigators say the suspect left the scene but was quickly found at the nearby CTrain Station where he was arrested by police. The suspect was then taken to hospital for injuries believed to be sustained in the second attack.

Investigators believe both attacks were random.

“We would like to thank the Good Samaritans who came forward to help the victims. Our officers were quick to locate the suspect after the stabbing and we remain committed to ensuring our public spaces remain free from violent and dangerous behaviour,” Staff Sgt. Paul Ralstin said in a statement. “We are working with our partners in the social and justice systems to find ways to hold people accountable for behaviour that puts our community at real, and perceived, risk.”

Lyle Kaszas, 37, has been charged with aggravated assault and assault.

He is set to appear in court on Monday, June 3.

Anyone who was affected by witnessing these events is encouraged to connect with the Victim Assistance Support Team (VAST) by calling 403-428-8398 or toll-free at 1-888-327-7828.