North Hill Co-op shooting in Calgary leaves one dead, another wounded as homicide unit investigates
One-line summary: A targeted shooting at the North Hill Co-op parking lot in Calgary injured two men; one died and the other is stable after being taken to Foothills Medical Centre.
The North Hill Co-op shooting in Calgary on Monday evening left one man dead and another hospitalized after gunfire erupted in the grocery store’s parking lot and inside the store, police said. The Calgary Police Service responded to numerous reports of shots fired at 520 16 Ave. N.E. just before 8 p.m., finding two men with gunshot wounds who were transported to Foothills Medical Centre in life‑threatening condition. One of the victims has since died, while the other was upgraded to stable condition and is expected to undergo surgery the following day, authorities said.
Sequence of events at the scene
Police and emergency crews were called to the North Hill Co-op location shortly before 8 p.m. after multiple 911 calls reported shots fired in and around the store. Upon arrival, officers located two men suffering from gunshot wounds — one inside the store and one outside in the parking area — and both were taken to the Foothills Medical Centre in critical condition.
Investigators said three suspects fled the scene before police arrived and that no arrests had been made at the time of the initial briefing. A vehicle was observed leaving the area, and officers began an immediate canvass of the surrounding blocks while securing the scene for forensic work.
Victim status and police confirmation
The Calgary Police Service later confirmed that one of the men found at the scene has died of his injuries. Police identified the deceased victim as someone known to their records but did not release a name, citing the ongoing investigation and family notification procedures.
The second victim was reported by police to be in stable condition and was expected to undergo surgery the following day. Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether the two victims were connected, and investigators said that determination remains part of the homicide unit’s inquiries.
Police assessment: investigators call it targeted
Duty Inspector Darren Smith told reporters at a late‑night press conference that investigators believe the shooting was targeted rather than random. “Obviously, we are incredibly concerned that this occurred in broad daylight in a grocery store while people were going about their business, grocery shopping,” he said, underscoring the risk posed to bystanders.
Smith emphasized the danger posed by an attack in such a public place and warned that “dozens and dozens of people could’ve been hurt in this incident.” He added that the Calgary Police Service’s homicide unit had assumed responsibility for the investigation and was leading efforts to identify suspects and reconstruct the events.
Witness accounts and in‑store chaos
Shoppers and staff inside the North Hill Co-op described chaotic moments after the shots were fired. One witness, Alex Boisselle, recounted hearing the shots while holding groceries and seeing a man enter the store with a bleeding foot, crying out that he had been shot.
According to witnesses, bystanders stepped in to assist the injured man inside the store while police and paramedics responded outside, where another victim lay in a pool of blood. The store was placed into lockdown by officers to protect staff and customers, a measure that was later lifted after the immediate scene was secured.
Evidence gathering and next investigative steps
Police said they would review the store’s closed‑circuit television footage and interview several witnesses as part of the homicide unit’s probe. Detectives are also tracing the vehicle seen leaving the area and are seeking additional witnesses who may have observed the suspects’ departure or any suspicious activity prior to the shooting.
Forensic teams were deployed to the scene to process evidence and to reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to the shooting. Investigators appealed to anyone with dashcam, cellphone video, or other recordings from the area between roughly 7:30 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. to contact police, noting that even small pieces of footage can be crucial to identifying those responsible.
Community impact and store response
News of the North Hill Co-op shooting prompted concern among neighbourhood residents and shoppers, many of whom expressed shock that gunfire erupted at a busy grocery store. Local patrons described an atmosphere of disbelief, with several noting that the store is commonly used by families and older residents for everyday shopping.
Calgary Police Service officials urged the public to avoid the area while investigators conducted their work and to follow updates from police as the investigation progressed. The North Hill Co-op, which was placed into lockdown to protect customers and staff during police operations, reopened once officers determined the scene was safe and the immediate forensic work had been completed.
Public safety, policing priorities and appeals for information
In the wake of the shooting, the Calgary Police Service reiterated that there was no ongoing risk to the public but stressed the seriousness of an incident occurring in such a high‑traffic setting. Police described their immediate priority as identifying and locating the three suspects who fled the scene and determining whether the victims were known to one another or if other motives were involved.
Detectives encouraged anyone with relevant information to contact the Calgary Police Service’s non‑emergency number or Crime Stoppers if they wished to remain anonymous. Authorities said that tips from witnesses, surveillance footage, and mobile recordings could significantly advance the investigation and help bring suspects into custody.
Final paragraph: The investigation into the North Hill Co‑op shooting remains active, with the Calgary Police Service’s homicide unit continuing forensic examinations, witness interviews and efforts to locate the suspects, while the community grapples with the shock of a targeted attack in a grocery store.
