Man in life-threatening condition, suspect at large as police investigate northeast London shooting

London police say a man is fighting for his life in hospital after he was shot at a public housing complex, Wednesday afternoon, as they continue searching for a male suspect who they say fled the scene and is still at large

Police said in a written statement, a 9-1-1 call came in around 4:20 p.m., warning of a possible shooting at a home in the 300-block of the street, north of Cheapside. When police arrived, they found a man with an apparent gunshot wound who was taken to hospital by paramedics.

Police tape surrounded two sections of a city-run townhouse complex in the evening. Staff on site confirmed the complex is operated by London-Middlesex Community Housing (LMCH). 

Blood could be seen on the steps behind one of the units in the complex.

Neighbours who spoke to CBC News reported hearing multiple gunshots ring out in the Boullee Street housing complex at the time of the shooting. Some said they were scared and traumatized by the event.

Public housing in the city has come under increased scrutiny in recent months following a string of deaths and violent crimes in and around LMCH buildings across the city. Advocates have pushed for increased security at public housing buildings.

CBC News has reached out to LMHC for comment but has not heard back yet.

Police urged the public to avoid the area while they investigate as there will be a significant police presence for an undetermined amount of time, they said.

The suspect is described as a black male with long black hair pulled up in a bandana. According to police, the suspect is approximately 6 feet tall, and was wearing a white t-shirt or tank top and dark-coloured shorts. Police also said the suspect may have fled the scene in a red vehicle.

Police are also asking witnesses, or people who have dash-cam, exterior doorbell camera, or security camera footage in the area to contact them.