Winnipeg police are investigating a homicide following a shooting in the Polo Park area.

A family member and police have identified the victim as Brett Anthony Cadieux, 23.

Police were called to the 1300 block of Ellice Avenue around 1:15 a.m. Tuesday morning following the report of a shooting.

Police said when officers arrived on scene they found a man who was seriously hurt. He was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Investigators don't believe the attack was random.

The investigation appears to focus on both sides of Ellice Avenue near Empress Street, near the Canad Centre plaza and Residence Inn by Marriott.

People in the area asked to stay back from scene

“There were probably 20 police cars, if not more, taping off the areas and this morning we just found out we should not be leaving the hotel,” one hotel guest told CTV News.

Felica McGillivray, who was staying at the hotel, said she had to reschedule her child’s doctor appointment because she could not leave the hotel in time.

Guests said they were cleared to leave around 1 p.m.

Mahfouz Assi was getting ready to leave Planet Fitness after a workout in the plaza blocked off when the shooting took place.

He said he heard one shot before six or seven police officers arrived. He said they told him to leave his vehicles parked in the lot.

“He [police officer] was talking to cashier [asking] who was here like an hour ago, I need your name, phone number, address,” Assi said.

Assi returned Tuesday around noon to get his car, but it was still in the area under police investigation.

More gun related homicides

Police said five out of eight homicide so far this year involved a firearm, while in 2018, three out of 22 homicides involved a firearm.

Police have both east and westbound Ellice Avenue blocked off between Empress Street and Strathcona Street while they investigate.

The homicide unit is investigating. Anyone with information is asked to contact 204-986-6508 or Crime Stoppers at 204-786-TIPS (8477).

-With files from CTV Winnipeg