A 40-year-old woman from Lethbridge faces several serious charges, such as attempted murder, after a 54-year-old woman was taken to hospital with fatal injuries on July 14.
Police say the defendant, Courtney Louise Shaw, entered the Lethbridge Legal Guidance building at approximately 1:30 p.m., armed with an airsoft gun and a knife.
Four employees were present at the time.
Read more: Injured hostage, suspect arrested at legal advice office in Lethbridge
When Shaw asked to speak to a specific lawyer and was told the lawyer was not available, police said he asked him to use the bathroom.
10 minutes later, Shaw allegedly came out of the bathroom, aimed his pistol at two of the employees, threatening to kill them.
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An employee managed to hide under a desk and call 911.
1:21 Woman injured during hostage situation in downtown Lethbridge Woman injured during hostage situation in downtown Lethbridge
Police allege that Shaw pulled out a knife and forced the victim into an office, closing the door while the other three employees escaped.
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After about an hour of negotiating with Shaw by phone, police determined there was an imminent threat to the hostage’s life and tactical equipment entered the building.
Some people can’t make appointments, the whole blog is closed. It looks like a tactical unit has arrived. pic.twitter.com/WoVHRblUBu
– Eloise Therien (@TherienEloise) July 14, 2022
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Police said Shaw was found with a knife to herself and was arrested.
Officials said the victim had been stabbed in the neck several times and was taken to hospital by the EMS with life-threatening injuries.
The victim underwent surgery and has since been improved to a stable condition.
Shaw faces a total of 16 charges: one charge each of attempted murder, aggravated assault, hostage-taking, use of an imitation firearm while committing a crime, possession of a dangerous weapon for the public, four charges of illegal confinement, four counts of uttering threats and three counts of assault with a weapon.
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This is not the first time Shaw has faced legal charges.
In 2008, he was not found criminally responsible for a domestic fire after setting fire to his home.
One report found that he was suffering from a psychiatric disorder at the time.
Shaw remains in custody for his latest charges and is scheduled to appear in court on July 22.
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