Calgary man charged after assaults at 2 local shopping malls

Calgary police have charged a man in connection to two apparently random attacks, one involving a knife, at local shopping malls on Thursday.

At around 9:20 a.m., officers responded to calls that an individual had been assaulted near the food court at TD Square in downtown. The injuries were reported as minor.

Roughly two hours later, there was a stabbing at Chinook Centre. The suspect was found and arrested nearby at the Chinook CTrain station shortly after, police said.

"While police were obtaining a description of the suspect from the first assault, a second assault was reported," Calgary police said in a statement.

"Good Samaritans and mall security provided emergency first aid to the victim until EMS arrived and transported the victim to hospital in serious condition."

The Chinook Centre victim remains in hospital but is in stable condition, according to officers. The victim of the first attack had minor injures.

Police said both attacks were believed to be random.

The suspect, a 37-year-old Calgary man, was charged with aggravated assault and assault. He is due to appear in court on Monday.