Calgary Man Faces Multiple Charges in Beltline Restaurant Arson and Genesis Centre Shooting
A Calgary man already facing firearm-related charges in connection with a northeast shooting earlier this month has now been charged with arson for a February blaze that caused approximately $275,000 in damage to a Beltline restaurant.
Restaurant Fire Investigation Details
Police allege that four suspects intentionally set a fire inside the Nile Café & Lounge, located at 1131 17 Avenue S.W., shortly after 3:30 a.m. on February 12. Investigators say CCTV footage from a nearby property showed a white pickup truck fleeing the area shortly before the fire was reported. Police later identified the vehicle and its license plate.
On March 7, a patrol officer stopped the same truck after it ran a red light. The vehicle was seized, and a subsequent search warrant executed on the truck led to the seizure of a handgun and other items related to the investigation.
Connection to Separate Shooting Incident
As part of a separate investigation into a March 3 shooting in northeast Calgary, police executed a search warrant on Tuesday at a home in the 0-100 block of Templehill Crescent N.E. Following that search, two men were arrested and investigators later determined one of them was also linked to the Nile Cafe fire.
Sohrab Rob Rashed, 34, of Calgary, is charged with one count of arson causing property damage. He is scheduled to appear in court on Friday. Police say they are still working to identify and locate three remaining suspects believed to be involved in setting the fire.
Firearm Charges and Shooting Details
Rashed also faces multiple firearms-related offences connected to the shooting investigation, including:
- Discharging a firearm with intent
- Unauthorized possession of a restricted firearm
- Possession of a firearm contrary to a prohibition order
A second man, Romal Sidiqi, 33, is charged with discharging a firearm with intent, aggravated assault and possession of a firearm in a motor vehicle in relation to the same incident.
On March 3, police say two men confronted a group of people in the parking lot of the Genesis Centre, located at 7555 Falconridge Blvd. N.E. One of the suspects pulled out a handgun and fired two shots at the group, resulting in one person being injured. The victim was taken to hospital in stable condition and has since recovered, according to police.
Police Statement and Investigation Status
Calgary Police Service said the accused and victim in the shooting incident are known to each other and that the shooting stemmed from a previous conflict between them. Investigators continue to pursue leads in both cases and are asking for public assistance.
Anyone with information to share is asked to contact Calgary police at 403-266-1234. Anonymous tips are accepted through Calgary Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, on the organization’s website or through the P3Tips mobile app.
