Respected member of Calgary's Somali community shot during suspected robbery attempt

Police tape cordons off the parking lot outside of the Red Blossom Restaurant in the 1700 block of 52 St. S.E. after a gunshot victim entered the business looking for help

Calgary police are investigating a late Friday afternoon shooting following the discovery of a man suffering from a gunshot wound to his throat.

Shortly after 6:00 p.m., an unidentified male, in need of medical assistance, entered a restaurant in the 5000 block of 17 Ave. S.E. Staff called 911 and emergency crews were deployed.

EMS transported the man, believed to be approximately 60 years old, to the Foothills Medical Centre in critical condition. As of Saturday morning, the victim's condition is considered stable.

Friends say the victim is named Yousef, a father of three and a pillar of the Somali community.

"He's a really respected individual in the community, and that's why we are here,” explained Imam Abdi Hersy. “I am the Imam of the community and he's one of the elders of the community. We are outraged of what happened,"

According to police, two masked men carrying guns entered the Dahab Exchange, a money transferring business which assists Calgary's Somalian community send funds to family members in the African nation. The incident occurred near closing time and Yousef's friends believe the shooting was the result of a robbery gone wrong.

Police are searching for two male suspects. One man was wearing a red hoodie, the other a brown and black hoodie.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact the Calgary Police Service, 403-266-1234, or Crime Stoppers.