Two distinct sets of bystanders encountered a hazardous ordeal on Monday evening. They found themselves at the mercy of assailants operating a white van, who were discharging rounds from a handgun, in what law enforcement officials deem as random attacks. The frightening series of events concluded with a youngster being hospitalized.
The law enforcement operations kicked into high gear when the Winnipeg Police Service received calls around James Avenue and Princess Street about multiple gunshot incidents. The police force disclosed that the unknown assailants, driving a white van, targeted and opened gunfire towards random clusters of people.
Const. Jason Michalyshen, a public information officer with the Winnipeg police, recounted the swift escalation of the investigation, “Our investigation obviously went from zero to one hundred very quickly. We had a number of police resources dispatched.”
The onslaught, as per the police, commenced around 7 p.m when the attackers in the van zeroed in on two individuals near William Avenue and Kate Street in the Centennial neighbourhood. Following an exchange of words, the firearm was discharged, although, fortuitously, no one was harmed during this incident.
In a subsequent event, the same wrongdoers accosted a trio close to James Avenue and King Street, located in the Exchange District. This encounter, similar to the previous, led to a verbal spat, a pursuit, and shots ringing out. Tragically, a young male fell victim to the gunfire.
An unfortunate casualty occurred during this second incident, as an individual was hit and rushed to the hospital, initially in critical condition but later stabilized,” Michalyshen revealed.
Shortly after these horrifying incidents, law enforcement officers apprehended two juveniles, a male and a female. The abandoned van was located on Toronto Street.
While all indications suggest sporadic attacks, the police have acknowledged the possibility of the perpetrators having ties to gang activities and drug trafficking. Michalyshen added, “It certainly looks very random, they saw an opportunity to intimidate, scare, potentially rob… This individual was clearly prepared to use the firearm as it was discharged multiple times.”
The second gunfire incident transpired just a stone’s throw away from the Winnipeg City Hall. Reflecting on this unsettling fact, Mayor Scott Gillingham addressed the pressing issue of the city’s soaring violent crime rate.
“I’ve addressed this concern months ago with the prime minister. The new premier and I have conversed about it,” he confessed. “The former premier endorsed funding for the City of Winnipeg to include more foot patrol police officers in the Downtown.”
Both apprehended suspects remain confined and are awaiting charges. Further investigations may lead to additional arrests, as the police suspect the involvement of more culprits in the van. However, they have assured that there is no immediate risk posed to the public.
The Major Crimes Unit takes the lead in the ongoing investigation.
