One man in custody after fires set at Calgary City Hall
Posted Aug 2, 2022 7:14 am.
Last Updated Aug 2, 2022 12:37 pm.
One man is in custody after Calgary police say he broke into city hall and set multiple small fires.
Emergency crews were called to the building on Macleod Trail SE just before 4 a.m. Tuesday for reports of a man with a weapon.
Officers say the man was experiencing a mental health crisis when he smashed the glass at the front of the building with that they call “a large-edged weapon” to get inside.
Police say the man is a client of the Police and Crisis Team (PACT) and add “this incident highlights the importance of working with Alberta Health Services to offer assessment, support, and consultation for people experiencing a mental health crisis.”
PACT pairs officers who are trained in mental-health issues with psychiatric professionals.
Police tape wraps over City Hall entrance in Calgary on Aug. 2, 2022. (Nick Blakeney, CityNews Photo)
Please be advised that the Municipal Building is temporarily closed to the public today due to repairs from a security incident overnight.
We apologize for any inconvenience.
— City of Calgary (@cityofcalgary) August 2, 2022
“While in many cases intervention and coordination through our partnership is successful in avoiding a mental health crisis becoming a police matter, unfortunately, there are instances that are violent in nature and require an adequate police response,” said CPS Supt Asif Rashid. “Out of consideration and compassion for the man and his current mental health, we will not release his name. We are relieved that no one was injured and he is now getting the care he needs.”
The Calgary Fire Department tells CityNews there was minor fire damage to the building but significant water damage because of the sprinkler system going off.
City hall is closed to the public for repairs because of the incident. There are no reported injuries.
