A Calgary man has been charged with five counts of attempted murder after allegedly hitting three pedestrians and trying to strike two others in Lethbridge on Friday evening. The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. in the parking lot of the Arena, formerly known as the Enmax Centre, according to a news release from Lethbridge police.

The victims, a 77-year-old woman, a 77-year-old man, and a 46-year-old man, suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries. They were transported to a local hospital and are currently in stable condition.

The driver fled the scene before law enforcement arrived. Shortly after the initial incident, the same vehicle collided with a Subaru Outback at the intersection of Mayor Magrath Drive and Scenic Drive South, but the driver did not stop.

Police later spotted the suspect and his vehicle at a convenience store on Bluefox Boulevard North. The man attempted to purchase several items but left the store after his payment card was declined. He allegedly threatened a staff member before exiting with the items.

Authorities arrested the suspect without incident after locating the vehicle on Riverbottom Road North, near Softball Valley. Lethbridge police stated, "Following further investigation, evidence obtained showed the subject had intended to hit the victims with his vehicle." They confirmed that the driver was not impaired and that the victims did not know him.

Christopher David Hegg, 47, of Calgary, faces multiple charges, including five counts of attempted murder, three counts of assault with a weapon, three counts of dangerous operation of a vehicle causing bodily harm, and additional charges related to dangerous driving, uttering threats, and theft under $5,000. After a bail hearing, Hegg was remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday.