Quick Read
- Calgary police conducted a major search warrant operation in the Redstone community following a string of violent incidents.
- The operation occurred days after two suspicious deaths on January 28, 2026, in the same area.
- A memorial plaque honoring five students killed in Calgary’s 2014 mass killing was stolen from Quinterra Legacy Garden.
- The plaque’s theft has reopened emotional wounds for the victims’ families and friends.
- Calgary courts are actively hearing high-profile cases, including a murder trial and a fraud case, highlighting ongoing legal challenges.
CALGARY (Azat TV) – Calgary is currently experiencing a notable increase in police activity across several communities, as authorities respond to a string of violent incidents and address growing concerns over property crime. This heightened focus on public safety comes as residents in areas like Redstone grapple with recent violence, while the emotional impact of a significant memorial plaque theft reverberates through the city.
On Thursday, February 5, 2026, a substantial police presence, including armored vehicles and tactical units, descended upon a home in Redstone Park N.E., northeast Calgary. Residents observed multiple young men detained during the execution of a search warrant, just days after the same street was the scene of two suspicious deaths on January 28, 2026. While Calgary police confirmed the search warrant, they did not immediately link it to the string of violent incidents that have rattled the Redstone community, prompting significant anxiety among residents.
Police Respond to Redstone Community Safety Concerns
The police operation in Redstone underscores a broader effort to address rising crime in Calgary. Shyann Hoad, a Redstone resident, described the scene as “crazy,” with her entire neighborhood filled with law enforcement personnel. The visible police action, spanning at least two residential blocks, followed intense community concern over the recent violence. This proactive response by the Calgary Police Service (CPS) highlights their commitment to maintaining order and investigating serious crimes that impact community well-being.
The execution of search warrants by tactical units is a standard procedure in high-risk situations, often involving complex investigations into organized crime or violent offenses. The details surrounding the Redstone operation remain limited as investigations are ongoing, but the visible show of force signals a serious police focus on the area following the January deaths and other reported incidents.
Memorial Plaque Theft Reopens Wounds for Calgary Families
Adding to the city’s crime concerns, a memorial plaque honoring five university students killed in Calgary’s worst mass killing in 2014 was stolen from the Quinterra Legacy Garden in South Glenmore Park. The bronze plaque, dedicated to Kaitlin Perras, Lawrence Hong, Joshua Hunter, Jordan Segura, and Zackariah Rathwell, was reported missing on Thursday, February 5, 2026.
The theft has deeply affected the victims’ families and friends. Gregg Perras, Kaitlin’s father, expressed his disgust, stating it felt “like getting, you know, hit in the gut.” Kyle Tenove, a director at the Prophets of Music society and bandmate of two victims, emphasized that the theft “reopens wounds for people that have been on a healing journey for the past almost 12 years.” Police Duty Inspector Shelby Stewart confirmed the theft and appealed to the public for the plaque’s return, suggesting it could be left at a police station or another accessible location. Stewart noted that metal sign thefts have become an “increasing concern” in Calgary over the past five years due to rising metal values, making items like brass, bronze, and copper targets for scrap. However, police remain hopeful for the plaque’s return, as historically, sentimental items have resurfaced after thieves found them difficult to recycle for cash.
Calgary Court Proceedings Highlight Ongoing Legal Battles
Meanwhile, Calgary’s legal system continues to process a range of significant cases, further illustrating the city’s ongoing struggle with crime. In Calgary courts this week, murder suspect Tyler James Redden denied allegations he gunned down Graeme McColm after an altercation involving contraband cigarettes. Crown prosecutor Carla MacPhail challenged Redden’s account, noting inconsistencies in his statements to police regarding when and why he fired shots. The trial is scheduled to continue on Monday, February 9, 2026, as reported by the Calgary Herald.
In a separate case, Justice Janice Ashcroft ordered the bail of double drunk-driving suspect Kane Anignostis Burrows revoked, citing public safety risks and the need to maintain public confidence in the administration of justice. Burrows was already on bail for a deadly December 2024 crash and allegedly fled police in August 2025 while driving at excessive speeds. Ashcroft concluded that Burrows’ prior conduct demonstrated a disregard for bail conditions, making his continued release a risk.
Additionally, the protracted fraud trial of Scott Brooks faced another delay when his lawyer withdrew from the case mid-trial due to a breakdown in the solicitor-client relationship. Justice Robert Armstrong, however, vowed that the trial would not be derailed, ordering Brooks to be ready to proceed with or without new counsel by February 9, 2026. Brooks had previously been ordered into custody in October 2025 after the judge found he was manipulating his medications to trigger hospitalizations and delay the trial, which involves accusations of bilking over $1 million from investors between 2010 and 2018.
The confluence of increased police operations in communities grappling with violent crime, the emotional distress caused by the theft of a significant memorial, and the ongoing high-stakes proceedings in Calgary’s courts collectively paint a picture of a city actively contending with various facets of criminal activity and its profound impact on residents.