On Thursday, July 11, 2024, a 60-year-old man was walking to a gas station in the area of 92 Street and Jasper Avenue. Without provocation, a 41-year-old male seated outside the gas station violently assaulted the man to the point of unconsciousness. After a brief lull in the assault, the suspect then began choking the man with a shopping bag.
The EPS Downtown Branch BEATS team was working proactively in the area when they heard shouts for help from the gas station and immediately responded to assist. Officers challenged the suspect, who did not comply and fled on foot. Following a short foot chase, he was eventually taken into custody.
EMS responded, treated and transported the 60-year-old man to hospital with serious life-threatening injuries. He has since been released.
The 41-year-old suspect was also transported to hospital as a precaution for injuries sustained during the arrest. He has since been medically cleared and released. The suspect and victim were not known to one another.
Storm Saskatchewan, 41, was subsequently remanded and charged with aggravated assault and attempted murder. He has a lengthy and sometimes violent criminal history and intoxication by drugs is believed to have been a factor in this incident.
“Thankfully, officers were nearby at the time of this assault - they undoubtedly saved the complainant’s life. Had they not acted so quickly, we may be discussing significantly more tragic circumstances today,” says Acting Inspector Michael Dreilich with the EPS Investigations Branch.
“There is no place for this type of brazen, random violence in our city.”