A police vehicle is parked outside the Medicine Hat Mall after police investigate an alleged assault with a weapon Thursday afternoon - Photo by Chantal Wagner

By Charles Lefebvre

Man facing charges after alleged assault at mall

Jan 2, 2020 | 2:32 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — A 40-year-old man has been arrested after a 72-year-old man was allegedly assaulted with a weapon at the Medicine Hat Mall Thursday afternoon.

According to a news release from the Medicine Hat Police Service, officers received a panic alarm call at the Medicine Hat Mall at approximately 1 p.m. They also received a second call requesting an ambulance after a man was allegedly injured by another patron at the mall.

Police found a 72-year-old man with serious injuries at the mall. While at the mall, police were alerted to the location of a suspect, who was allegedly trying to leave the scene on foot. The suspect was taken into custody.

The male victim has been taken to hospital and is receiving ongoing care.

LIVE UPDATES

Road construction, detours and traffic in Medicine Hat

5h ago

WHAT'S ON

Top five things to do at the Medicine Hat Public Library in November

23h ago

CITY HALL

Medicine Hat women's shelter pitches council on supporting critical construction project

Nov 05, 2024

The 40-year-old man cannot be released until formal charges are sworn. Police believe the incident was isolated, as the accused and victim are known to each other.

Staff Sgt. Ryan Thorburn says, “We actually have it out as an assault with a weapon charge, but we are considering aggravated assault charges and that will depend on medical reports from the hospital in the coming days. But that is a charge that is one degree higher than assault with a weapon.”

He says the victim was injured in the neck area.

Thorburn thanks the bystanders involved and commends their assistance in helping the victim.

A small section of the Medicine Hat Mall remains contained by police as they conduct their investigation. Police say no other information about the incident will be released, as details still need to be confirmed.