The man shot and killed by two armed suspects east of Calgary on Tuesday is believed to be an employee of Rocky View County, where the incident occurred.
Strathmore RCMP officers were called to Township Road 250 and Range Road 282 just before noon for reports of a shooting.
The area is east of the hamlet of Conrich, about 10 kilometres east of Calgary.
Mounties discovered two people who had been shot, one fatally and the other superficially.
A statement posted to the Rocky View County website on Tuesday evening expresses “sadness and shock” over the passing of employee Colin Hough, saying he died “following an incident” that occurred earlier in the day.
“This tragic and senseless act has deeply affected us all,” said Byron Riemann, chief administrative officer.
“Colin was a valued member of our team, and we extend our deepest condolences to Colin’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.”
Reeve Crystal Kissel said the community is “shocked and heartbroken” by the news.
“We will support Colin’s family and colleagues in any way we can as we stand together in grieving this loss.”
Fortis Alberta said the person who suffered the superficial gunshot wound was an employee, but didn’t release his name.
In a statement sent to CTV News, Fortis said the man was performing “routine work” when it happened.
“The employee was treated for the injury and released from the hospital later that evening,” reads the statement.
“We are grateful that our employee is recovering and we are providing any support he, his family and his colleagues need at this time.
“We understand that another individual on scene succumbed to fatal injuries and we extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the victim.”
Staff Sgt. Mark Wielosz, detachment commander for the Strathmore RCMP, said Wednesday investigators are now looking into a white 2013 Dodge RAM with teal aftermarket rims and bullet shell shaped lug nuts that was stolen from the 400 block of Abadan Place N.E. in Calgary, just before 6 a.m. on Monday.
Wielosz said investigators are looking for witnesses or footage of that truck or its occupants from the time of the theft to the time of the shooting.
An image of the truck has been released.
Investigators are now looking into a white 2013 Dodge RAM with teal aftermarket rims and bullet shell shaped lug nuts that was stolen from the 400 block of Abadan Place N.E. in Calgary, in connection with a deadly shooting east of Calgary.
Wielosz said the suspects fled the scene in a white half-ton pickup truck, which was a Rocky View County fleet vehicle.
Police tracked the vehicle to another location, near Township Road 252 and Range Road 260.
The vehicle had been dumped and the suspects were no longer in the area.
As of Wednesday evening, the suspects remained at large and were considered to be armed and dangerous.
“We do not have enough information to provide the public with firm descriptors of these subjects,” Wielosz said.
Wielosz said the motive for the violence is unknown.
But he also said the immediate danger in the area is believed to be over.
“At this point in time, I would say the risk level is low,” he said.
“We don’t believe these offenders are in the area. We don’t believe that they’re coming back.”