UPDATE: No charges in 1A Highway shooting

COCHRANE – The Cochrane man RCMP were questioning in relation to a shooting incident on the 1A Highway last week was released on Saturday (Aug. 4) and has not been charged. In a press release, the Cochrane RCMP also indicated the 60-year-old German tourist who was shot in the head with a small calibre weapon on Thursday (Aug. 2) is in critical but stable condition. Initially, police suspected the incident was a case of road-rage, but they have since indicated it may be a case of mistaken identity. “We know how much the public is interested, and wanting an update on this terrible incident, but we are mindful of not compromising our investigation,” said Inspector Lauren Weare, Officer in Charge of Cochrane Detachment.  “A solid investigation which will stand the tests of the court is methodical and takes time. We thank the public for their patience while our members focus on their tasks.” Cochrane cops were also asking for the driver of an RV to contact them, and said they have. The investigation continues with the assistance of the Calgary General Investigation Section and all avenues and leads are being followed.

On Friday (Aug. 3), public tips led Cochrane RCMP to a residence in that community where they seized a four-door black Sebring and took one man to the detachment for questioning.

The German tourist was driving with three family members on the 1A Highway near the Goodstoney Rodeo Grounds when a passing vehicle pulled up beside them, rolled down its window and fired a single shot through the driver’s side window hitting the man in the head. The car left the road after the shooting and collided with a tree before coming to a stop. The driver was conscious and breathing when paramedics arrived and taken by STARS air ambulance to Calgary’s Foothill Hospital. The three other occupants of the car suffered minor injuries and did not require hospital treatment.