German tourist shot in Alberta needs specialized care

CALGARY — A German tourist who can’t talk or move his right side after he was shot in the head while driving in southern Alberta earlier this month is heading home.

The German consulate says the 60-year-old man will fly aboard a special aircraft to Germany, where he will he undergo treatment at a hospital that specializes in brain injuries.

Doctors did not remove the bullet from his brain because of fears the surgery would cause more damage.

The man was driving with his family near the community of Morley, west of Calgary, on Aug. 2 when he was shot.

A black vehicle police had been seeking was later seized and a man was detained, but he was later released.

No one has been charged.

Police have said the tourist was conscious and speaking when he was airlifted to a Calgary hospital.

Investigators had originally suggested the shooting could be a case of road rage, but later discounted that theory.

A GoFundMe initiative was launched to help raise money to cover the family’s expenses. (CTV Calgary)