Calgary police say a shooting outside a Cactus Club location on Tuesday is believed to be related to organized crime. Officers rushed to the 7000 block of Macleod Trail S.E. just before 10 p.m. after a man was shot while sitting in his vehicle. The victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was taken to hospital in critical condition. His condition has since been upgraded to stable. “We did have some bystanders, and there were some staff that did render some first aid,” said Acting Insp. Ben Lawson. “The individuals that we do know that are involved are known to police. It is very early on to say exactly what the motive of the incident leading up to the shooting actually was.” Investigators have reviewed CCTV footage from the area and believe the victim was targeted as he left the restaurant. The staff at Macleod Nail Lounge lost business on Wednesday, as they were closed due to the gunfire shattering their front door and windows. “I feel very shocked because a lot of business here is maybe impacted,” said owner Emma Ta. “We have customers every day … and we have to close our business.” CCTV footage from Macleod Nail Lounge shows the moment bullets rattled through their front entrance, with at least 17 shots being fired. Lindsey Garrett owns the Envy Beauty Lab and Laser next door. “I think we’re just really lucky that we weren’t hit,” said Garrett. “This area seems pretty safe. Chinook Mall is right there and everything else. So it is a little surprising for sure.” The Calgary Police Service’s organized crime and offender management section has taken over the investigation. “Any time shots are fired in our city, it’s concerning, and even more so when it puts innocent bystanders at risk,” said Lawson. “Targeted or not, this type of violence is unacceptable, and we have put resources in place to identify and hold these offenders accountable.” DerRic Starlight witnessed the shooting from his hotel room at the nearby Travelodge. “While we were watching television, all of a sudden we heard gunshots. Multiple. At least nine or 10 gunshots,” he said. “I was watching the news of the gunshots in B.C., and it’s starting to get frightening up here in Canada.” Anyone who witnessed the shooting or who has dash-cam or CCTV footage of it is asked to call police at 403-266-1234. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers. “We feel quite concerned when we feel like we’re banking on luck in these kinds of situations,” said Lawson. “So, definitely anyone shooting in the city is not acceptable by our standards.”
