EPS have responded to 127 shootings this year; 5 this past weekend alone

Edmonton police say they’re investigating five shootings from this past weekend, bringing the total number of reported shootings this year to 127.

Police say the five shootings – which are not believed to be linked – took place from Friday to Sunday.

Only one of the shootings resulted in a victim being injured. He is expected to recover.

“One of these shootings was directed at a residence and three were directed at vehicles, including one vehicle in a very public downtown parkade and one vehicle that we believe was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time,” said Staff Sgt. Eric Stewart in a release.

“Outside of the strain this put on our resources, particularly in downtown and northeast Edmonton, the safety risk to the general public in these incidents was significant. We are surprised and thankful that there were not more injured parties.”

EPS says half of the 127 shootings this year resulted in injuries.

• 84 per cent were considered targeted;
• 61 per cent had the potential for innocent bystanders to be injured;
• In one incident a confirmed innocent bystander was struck by a stray bullet.

“It’s unfortunate but factual to say that shootings and firearm seizures are a regular occurrence in Edmonton,” said Stewart. “While majority of this violence remains targeted, the risk to citizens remains real and we will continue to work diligently to mitigate it.”

Map showing locations of five shootings in Edmonton from Oct. 14-16, 2022. (Credit: CityNews/Google Maps)

BULLET HOLE IN HOME

On Friday shortly before midnight, officers responded to the report of a shot fired at 114 Street and 17 Avenue SW. Officers located a bullet hole in the exterior of a nearby home. It was reported to police that a vehicle was observed fleeing the area.

VEHICLE WITH BULLET HOLES IN ALLEYWAY

A few hours later – Saturday around 12:30 a.m. – patrol officers responded to the report of shots fired at a home at 127 Avenue and 119 Street. Police say officers found a vehicle in an alleyway with several holes in its windows.

SHOT FOR BICYCLE

Later in the morning, investigators believe a man was surrounded by a group of men who demanded his bicycle near a business on 104 Avenue and 119 Street. When he refused, he was reportedly shot. Police say the victim was dropped off at hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Police were alerted around 4 a.m.

DOWNTOWN PARKADE SHOOTING

On Sunday around 2:45 a.m. patrol officers responded to a weapons complaint in a downtown parkade near 102 Avenue and 102 Street.

VEHICLE HIT BY BULLET

That same evening – around 9 p.m. – patrol officers responded to a weapons complaint near 137 Avenue and 66 Street. A citizen told police he was driving when he heard a bang. He reportedly pulled over and noticed a bullet hole.