Shooting in Exchange District sends youth to hospital: police

Two groups of people were victimized by suspects driving a white van and firing shots with a handgun in what police believe were random attacks that has left one youth in hospital.

The investigation began Monday evening when the Winnipeg Police Service was called to James Avenue and Princess Street for the report of multiple gun-related incidents.

Winnipeg police say suspects in a white van chased and fired a handgun at random groups of people.

"Our investigation obviously went from zero to one hundred very quickly. We had a number of police resources dispatched," said Const. Jason Michalyshen, a public information officer with the Winnipeg police.

Police said it started around 7 p.m. when the suspects in the van approached two people in the area of William Avenue and Kate Street in the Centennial neighbourhood.

After words were exchanged, police said shots were fired from a handgun, though no one was hurt.

But then later, the same suspects in the van confronted a group of three people near James Avenue and King Street in the Exchange District.

Again, some sort of verbal exchange, a chase, and shots rang out – this time a male youth was injured.

"Very unfortunately one individual was struck during the second incident, transported to hospital initially in unstable condition, later upgraded to stable," Michalyshen said.

Not long after the shootings, police arrested two youths – a male and a female. The van was found abandoned on Toronto Street.

Police said the attacks appear random and the suspects might be involved with gangs and drugs.

"It certainly looks very random, they saw an opportunity to intimidate, scare, potentially rob," Michalyshen said. "Clearly this individual was prepared to use the firearm because it was discharged multiple times."

The second of the two shootings happened on the same block as Winnipeg City Hall. Mayor Scott Gillingham said Tuesday the violent crime rate for the city is too high.

"I've brought this up months ago with the prime minister. The new premier and I have spoken about this," he said. "The former premier added funding for the City of Winnipeg to add more foot patrol police officers in the Downtown."

Both of the suspects remain in custody and are facing charges. Police said there may have been more suspects in the van, so there is the possibility for more arrests. But police stress there is no risk to the public.

The Major Crimes Unit is investigating.