The Calgary Police Service says while investigating a possible hit and run, on Wednesday in downtown, their officers discovered a man who was allegedly randomly attacking people. Twenty-nine-year-old Dawson Bailey Richardson was in court today charged in connection to multiple assaults.

Police also allege that during the arrest he assaulted officers, resulting in the injury of one officer.

Police were called out shortly after 7 p.m. on January 4th to a report of a hit and run and while investigating they reviewed CCTV footage which is when they saw a suspect walk up to a family who were out walking and hit a man multiple times, and then hit him several more times after the victim fell to the ground. The victim was able to defend himself and get away. Police have spoken with this family.

Further review of CCTV footage revealed an unknown man and woman left the Arts Commons building and were walking towards Macleod Trail S.E. when a suspect approached the man and pointed a ‘finger gun’ at the man before striking him. The victims were able to get away. Police have not yet identified these individuals.

Shortly after, the suspect then approached another couple walking northbound on Macleod Trail S.E. He attacked a man, striking him in the face. Police have not spoken with this victim.

The suspect then went on to run at another man, pushing him on the back causing him to fall to the ground. The victim, in an effort to get away, ran into traffic and was nearly struck by vehicles. Police have spoken with this victim.

At approximately 7:20 p.m., the suspect approached a family who were leaving Olympic Plaza, walking southbound on Macleod Trail S.E., and struck a man in the face. The family were able to defend themselves and found a nearby peace officer to report the incident.

While reviewing CCTV, officers observed the man go into the Arts Commons building which is where a suspect was arrested. In addition to being taken into police custody, Dawson Richardson, was also taken to hospital for evaluation.