Drive-by shootings target pedestrians in central Winnipeg, leave 1 hurt

Gunshots and then sirens rang out in Winnipeg's Exchange District and Centennial neighbourhood on Monday evening during drive-by shootings that targeted people on the sidewalk, police say.

The shootings began around 7:15 p.m. and happened within close proximity over a short timeframe, Winnipeg police spokesperson Const. Jason Michalyshen at a Tuesday news conference.

In the first instance, a van pulled up to two people near William Avenue and Kate Street, in the Centennial area. After a verbal exchange, a male inside the van pulled out a gun.

The people on the sidewalk ran as the shooter began firing, Michalyshen said, adding it's believed the shooter chased the people, firing a few more times as the people scattered.

No one was hit in that encounter, Michalyshen said.

Moments later, the van pulled up to a group of three people near King Street and James Avenue. Shots were again fired from the vehicle and the people targeted were chased, but in that instance a youth was shot. He was rushed to hospital in serious condition and has since been upgraded to stable.

Fortunately, there weren't even more serious injuries, Michalyshen said.

"We're not dealing with a homicide."

Police found the van abandoned around 8 p.m. on Toronto Street between St. Matthews and Ellice avenues, in the city's West End.

Members of the police service's tactical support team arrested two youths — a male and female — and discovered a firearm in the same area.

Both are facing multiple charges, and there are "potentially more" arrests coming, Michalyshen said.

Police vehicles and tape temporarily blocked several areas Monday night, including on King, William, Ross Avenue and Pacific Avenue.

There are multiple scenes because numerous shots were fired at each one, and then continued as the groups were chased, Michalyshen said.

'Simply can't predict' violent attacks: police

There is no indication as to why those groups of people were targeted, Michalyshen said.

"They were on the sidewalk essentially minding their own business," he said.

It could, however, be linked to street gang initiation "or quite simply just to intimidate and just show power with respect to being in possession of a firearm," said Michalyshen.

"We are speculating to some degree. We may or may not get to the bottom of that."

The key is that all victims are going to be OK and there is no ongoing threat, Michalyshen said, also noting the initial police response was just two minutes after the first calls came in.

"Our investigation obviously went from zero to 100 very quickly" as more reports came in, he said.

The outcome should provide the public with some reassurance "we're doing everything we can to create a culture of safety downtown," Michalyshen said.

"Unfortunately, there are incidents that are going to happen like this that we simply can't predict."

Monday's shootings come just two days after six teens were arrested for pointing guns from a downtown parkade at vehicles passing below.

Despite the latest incidents, Michalyshen says "all in all, Winnipeg is safe."

"This is a small percentage of individuals who are engaged in this type of a lifestyle and that's something as a community, as a whole, we have to continue to work on," he said. 

The Monday incidents happened not far from Red River College Polytechnic's Exchange District campus.

In a statement to CBC News, a spokesperson for the college said while the incidents did not take place on the campus, there were witnesses who are "members of our college community." Support is being provided for whoever may need it at the college, RRC's statement said.

The Winnipeg Police Service's major crimes unit is asking anyone with information about the incidents to contact them at 204-986-6219 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers at 204-786-8477, or through the agency's website.

Shootings in Winnipeg's Exchange District targeted pedestrians

1 year ago

Duration 1:56

Gunshots and then sirens rang out in Winnipeg's Exchange District and Centennial neighbourhood on Monday evening during drive-by shootings that targeted people on the sidewalk, police say.