Six in Lethbridge charged with incidents of violence and threats

Sep 1, 2021 | 11:38 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Half a dozen people have been charged by Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) in connection to two separate incidents of violence and threats of violence.

Both occurred within a two-week span in the area of two local skateparks.

The first occurred on August 12 when LPS was informed of a robbery at the SLP Skate Park on Mayor Magrath Drive South. The second was on August 25 where residents had reported several people with weapons being in the parking lot near the Legacy Regional Park skate park.

At Legacy Park, a 16-year-old boy had been forced into a vehicle by several others. They had allegedly demanded that the teen provide information about another youth they were looking for. A pellet gun that “closely resembled an actual pistol” was reportedly used to intimidate the victim.

Four people were arrested in connection to the Legacy Park incident – two 16-year-olds, a 17-year-old, and 18-year-old Royer Sopal Caldera. The names of youth offenders are not allowed to be released publicly.

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The four have each been charged with kidnapping with a firearm, extortion using a firearm, and assault with a weapon. One of the 16-year-olds has an additional charge of being disguised with the intent of committing an indictable offence.

While investigating the Legacy Park matter, LPS determined that Caldera and one of the 16-year-olds were also involved in the incident at SLP Skate Park. Through this, officers were able to identify and arrest two others – a 17-year-old and 18-year-old Denis Mehmeti. All four face charges of robbery and intimidation.

Following bail hearings, all six suspects have been released from custody on conditions.

by David Opinko