About 2:30 Wednesday afternoon, Regional Police got a 911 emergency call from a home in the 100 Block of Coalbanks Road West, the Copperwood Subdivision.

The 34 year old male resident had  arrived home and disturbed a break-in in progress and was assaulted by two men who managed to get away. The subjects assaulted and threatened the victim brandishing what appeared to be a handgun.

The lone victim was transported by ambulance to Hospital where he was treated and later released with lacerations and soft tissue injuries.

As this appears to have been a targeted crime, police want to reassure the Public that it was not a random occurrence.

The LRPS  Criminal Investigation Division continues to investigate and needs any information you make have on the following suspects:

Suspect #1:

Caucasion male - Approximately 5’9” tall - Stocky build

Short dirty blonde hair -Scruffy (unshaven) face

Wearing a black heavyweight coat


Suspect #2:

African American Male - Dark skin complexion

Slight accent - Very short curly black hair - Approximately 6’ tall - Slim build

Wearing a grey or black hoodie with the hood up

The Police wish to extend their appreciation for the assistance of the neighborhood residents during follow-up canvassing.

Any persons having Tips or information are encouraged to phone Police at 403-328-4444 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

The pair were stopped as they drove out of the coulees between Pavan and Peenaquim parks.  They admitted shooting gophers and said they believed they were outside city limits.

A reminder from police, it's an offence to shoot weapons in the city, unless at an authorized locations.  It's  also an offence to be on private land without permission and vehicles are NOT allowed on parkland within the city.

LETHBRIDGE: As assessment and tax notices come in the mail this week, a number of residents are noticing what's called a road maintenance tax for the first time.

Assessment and Taxation Manager Stan Dilworth explained that it applies to properties bordering pavement that is at least 10-years old. He stated that they charge $2.05 for each front foot. Dilworth continued that the average residence has between 35 and 50 feet bordering a roadway, meaning they can expect to pay between roughly $70 and $100.

Dilworth also noted that the road maintenance tax helps pay for things like side walk and road repair as well as tree trimming. He added that roughly 31-thousand properties in the city are included under the tax at the moment.

LETHBRIDGE: The arrest warrant that was issued for Aaron Head after he missed his Monday court date has been vacated.

His lawyer explained Wednesday morning that the person who was supposed to drive him to court that day was involved in a car accident.

Head, who's accused of viciously attacking and seriously injuring a Regional Police officer in 2011, is now expected to enter a new plea on those charges June 15th.

He had previously entered a not guilty plea.

While Police have released few details, they have confirmed that there was an assault involving a weapon at a home in the area. One person was taken to hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

Regional Police also noted that while people were allowed to come and go from the area, there was an extensive search underway for suspects.

LETHBRIDGE: The Lethbridge Fire Prevention Bureau is reminding secondary suite owners that there's still money available under a grant program.

The grant allows for them to make upgrades to the suites to make sure they are legal and as safe as possible. Under the program they can get 50-per cent of their expenses back, up to a maximum of $2,500.

Fire Prevention Officer Doug Broadhead explained that there are several upgrades that stand out as the most important. He stated that bedroom windows need to be large enough for occupants to easily escape through in the event of an emergency. He continued that upper and lower suites need to be properly separated as well as the furnace room. He explained that in the event of a fire the separation buys the residents time to get out. The other major upgrade Broadhead noted was interconnected smoke detectors.

Broadhead commented that since the program was started in 2009, 149 secondary suites have been legalized with $148,000 being given out in grant money.

To get involved you can visit http://www.lethbridge.ca/living-here/Emergency-Services/Fire-Prevention/Pages/Secondary-Suite.aspx. You can also call the Fire Prevention Bureau at 403-320-3811 or email them at fireprevention@lethbridge.ca.

Crews started putting them up last Thursday. They feature the current names as well as the historic names from 1885, along with an image of the post office cupola.

The entire project to replace the signs cost about $60,000 dollars.

The Heart of Our City Revitalization Committee feels the new attractive signage will help define the extent of Downtown and reinforce its status as a special place.