Calgary Police Arrest Two in Organized Crime-Linked Kidnapping Attempt
Calgary police have arrested and charged two men following a violent attempted kidnapping in the city's downtown core, with authorities linking the incident to organized crime activities. The arrests occurred after patrol officers intervened in a late-night assault that escalated into a kidnapping attempt.
Violent Downtown Incident Interrupted by Police
On February 17, just before midnight, a Calgary Police Service patrol sergeant working downtown observed three men assaulting an individual near the intersection of First Street and 19 Avenue S.W. The officer immediately challenged the suspects, who then fled the scene in a white Toyota Camry.
The victim, a man in his 20s, was transported to hospital in stable condition and has since been released. Police quickly located the suspect vehicle and deployed a tire deflation device to stop it. Two men attempted to flee on foot but were apprehended by patrol officers and the Canine Unit.
Organized Crime Connection and Drug Seizure
Investigators believe the incident was targeted and connected to organized crime conflicts in Calgary. During the investigation, police executed search warrants on multiple vehicles, resulting in the seizure of 89 grams of substances believed to be powder and crack cocaine, with an estimated street value of $5,000.
At the time of arrest, one of the suspects was wanted on 40 outstanding warrants. Both individuals now face serious charges related to the kidnapping attempt and drug trafficking.
Charges and Court Appearances
The two arrested men have been identified as:
- Bidong Bang Teny Wang, 23, of Calgary: Charged with one count each of kidnapping, assault, possession for the purpose of trafficking, and obstructing a peace officer.
- Rick Gatwech, 22, of Calgary: Charged with one count each of kidnapping, assault, possession for the purpose of trafficking, and obstructing a peace officer, along with two counts of failing to comply with a release order. Gatwech was also arrested on 40 outstanding warrants.
Both men are scheduled to appear in court on Thursday to face these charges.
Police Response and Ongoing Investigation
Staff Sgt. Don Campbell of the CPS Organized Crime Unit praised the patrol officers for their quick intervention, stating they "did an exceptional job of quickly intervening to prevent further harm to the victim and safely bring the suspects into custody."
Campbell emphasized that "targeted or not, this kind of brazen violence has no place on our streets," highlighting the department's commitment to addressing organized crime-related violence in the city.
The investigation remains ongoing, and Calgary Police Service is asking anyone with information about this incident to contact them at 403-266-1234 or submit an anonymous tip through Crimestoppers.
