Calgary police have released the identity of a man who was shot to death in at a southeast business on the weekend.
Police were called to Johny Scissorhands Barber Shop in the 5100 block of 20 Avenue S.E. at about 5:00 p.m. on Saturday for reports of a shooting.
Investigators say a man entered the shop and had a quick conversation with a customer before pulling out a gun and shooting him.
Khalid El-Ajami, 30 of Calgary died at the scene despite efforts to revive him.
Police are looking for the suspect and a silver SUV that was seen in the area at the time of the shooting.
The suspect is described as:
- Arabic male
- In his 20s
- Heavy build
- Wearing a black hoodie and grey pants
"We believe that someone drove him from the scene," said S/Sgt Doug Andrus, Calgary Police Homicide Unit. "We're continuing to review CCTV video and confirm investigative information."
El-Ajami was known to police and investigators believe the shooting was a targeted attack linked to an ongoing dispute between gangs connected to the drug trade.
“I think this shooting was linked to the ongoing dispute between gangs over the drug trade,” said S/Sgt Andrus. "The potential for somebody to be injured in this incident was great. We're concerned anytime we have a violent incident in our community, especially when the potential for a passerby or a member of the community to be injured is high. In this case there were over 60 people in the immediate area of the strip mall. There were also other customers and staff in the barber shop."
The death was Calgary’s 29th homicide of 2015.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact police by calling the non-emergency line at 403-266-1234 or the Homicide Unit Tip Line at 403-428-8877. Tips can also be left anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers using any of the following methods:
TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org
TEXT: tttTIPS to 274637
