Calgary Ward 4 Coun. DJ Kelly has a tough message for those involved in a Monday shooting outside the North Hill Co-op that left one man dead and another in hospital."I highly, strongly recommend that you go and turn yourself in today so the Calgary Police Service isn't hunting you down for the rest of your miserable existence." Kelly said in an interview with Global News."Very clear, simple message ...get the fuck out of our city.".Police responded to reports of shots fired at approximately 7:50 p.m. at the grocery store located at 520 16 Ave. N.W.When officers arrived, they found two men suffering from gunshot wounds. Both victims were transported to hospital in life-threatening condition, but one of the men later died.Police identified the victim of the shooting as Leslie Babajid Cole. The survivor was an innocent bystander.Police said two shooters were involved.“We believe this shooting is connected to organized crime,” said Staff Sgt. Mike Shute of the Calgary Police Service Homicide Unit. “Gun violence is not tolerated in our city, and no Calgarian should feel unsafe when they are going about their day in their own community. As a service, we recognize that targeted shootings still have a deep impact on Calgarians, and we have dedicated suppression resources to thoroughly address these acts of violence.”Cole was arrested in 2023 as part of a massive drug bust in the city.It resulted in the seizure of seven guns and 1.5 kilograms of illicit drugs.Police seized five handguns, one rifle and a shotgun. Four vehicles were seized, including a black Acura ILX, a green Porsche Panamera, a white Range Rover HLE and a white Infiniti FX50. Canadian currency totalling $24,000 was seized by police, along with drug production equipment and paraphernalia, and 664 grams of fentanyl and 928 grams of methamphetamine.Cole was charged with 31 firearms-related counts, and one count each of possession of a controlled substance for trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime. He was granted bail..The suspects fled before police arrived and remain at large. Investigators said they believe the shooting was targeted and that there is no ongoing threat to the public.The store was temporarily placed under lockdown while officers secured the scene and ensured the safety of staff and customers. The lockdown has since been lifted.Police have not released descriptions of the suspects or identified the victims as the investigation remains in its early stages.Insp. Darren Smith acknowledged the broader impact violent incidents have on Calgary communities.“We fully recognize the impact of brazen, violent acts on the larger community,” Smith said. “Public safety is our number one priority, and Calgarians deserve to feel safe at all times in their communities.”Investigators are asking anyone who witnessed the shooting or who may have dashcam or CCTV footage from the area around the time of the incident to contact police at 403-266-1234 or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.
