'Gang situation brewing,' Winnipeg police warn

Police are warning about a recent spike in violence and increasing gang activity in Winnipeg.

According to police, officers have been called out to a number of shootings in the last two weeks.

The head of the Winnipeg Police Service's organized crime division told a city hall committee officers have found six firearms in possession of suspected gang members in recent days.

"I will bring to the attention [of the committee], we've had three shootings in our area in the last 10 to 12 days. It appears we have a gang situation brewing," Insp. Elton Hall said, speaking via video call to the Lord Selkirk-West Kildonan committee on Tuesday.

The guns and gangs unit has been notified, Hall said.

Four suspected gang members found in possession of four loaded firearms "were arrested and processed, which was a good arrest," Hall said.

Officers arrested four more people and seized two more loaded guns Monday night on Selkirk Avenue. Two of the four people taken into custody in that incident are suspected gang members, Hall said.

"And so in the last three days, eight people have been arrested, six firearms have been taken off the street to address some of the violence that's been going on."

Three of the guns seized were sawed-off shotguns, along with a zip gun, a type of homemade firearm, and two handguns. Forensics analysts are still examining the weapons, but Hall said it is likely some are stolen and from the U.S., Hall said. 

Lack of resources a factor: outreach worker

One youth outreach worker told CBC News the violence is linked to a lack of resources and opportunities.

"I've been hearing a lot pertaining to youth violence in its entirety — and that's regardless of gang involvement," said Daniel Hidalgo, director of the non-profit Community 204, which provides outreach services to marginalized and homeless people in the inner city. 

"It's my understanding and personal belief that a lot of these things correlate with a lack of resources, a lack of productive involvement … also just simply being in a state of survival mode."

One person was taken to hospital and another person arrested after a daytime shooting in the William Whyte neighbourhood on Feb. 19.  Police have not released any details about the victim or announced any charges in that incident.

Brandy Bobier, who runs the youth outreach organization Community Helpers Unite, told CBC News at the time the city needs more safe spaces for youth.

Hidalgo agrees, saying if a youth "has resources … and things to do that are positive and pertaining to their interests, they will accept it," adding he would like to see more restrictions on weapons being used to commit crimes.