Man in custody after police respond to report of person carrying knife at Mount Royal University
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Dozens of Calgary police officers responded to a report of a person “carrying a large knife” at Mount Royal University on Monday afternoon, who officers later confirmed was a man working as a chef for the school.
At around 2:45 p.m., police attended the Calgary university and contained the area.
After confirming witness reports and reviewing CCTV footage, police said a shelter in place order was issued for the university and surrounding communities just before 4 p.m.
While clearing the scene, officers received additional information that the individual was a staff member working as a chef for the university and, police said, the man was carrying what looked like a chef’s knife to work.
After verifying this information, police said the shelter in place order was lifted.
Obviously a knife used for culinary purposes is still a weapon so people need to be aware of that.– Insp. Darren Smith, Calgary Police Service
“The original call was only a single person had seen the individual walk into the school with a knife. We had no further reports from students or staff,” said Insp. Darren Smith.
“The lockdown was issued once we were able to confirm through CCTV, working with Mount Royal security, that there was in fact someone that walked on campus with a knife.”
One man was taken into custody from the scene and charges may be laid, according to police. Smith said the potential charges may include public mischief, as well as possession of a weapon dangerous to the public.
At no point was there an ongoing threat to public safety, Smith said.
“We take these threats very seriously. People need to use common sense when they’re carrying a weapon into … a public area. Obviously a knife used for culinary purposes is still a weapon so people need to be aware of that.”
Mount Royal University issued a statement saying it appreciates the “prompt response” from police.
“We understand the stress this incident has caused our students and employees and are grateful for this positive outcome.”
The investigation is ongoing.
