Edmonton police report increase in shootings in May
Posted June 21, 2023 3:09 pm.
Edmonton police are sounding the alarm amid an uptick in shootings last month.
The Edmonton Police Service says there were 19 shootings in May. Of those, 15 are believed to be targeted. Seven resulted in injuries.
Police say 12 of the shootings ran the risk of hurting bystanders.
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“We continue to see an upward trend in gun violence,” said Acting Insp. Eric Stewart of the EPS organized crime branch in a statement.
“The numbers of shootings are up almost 20 per cent since this time last year, which is really concerning. Our Firearms Investigation Unit, front line patrol members, along with other investigative units are working diligently to prevent and address firearm-related crime across the city.”
Overall, there have been 76 shootings reported to police this year – an increase of 19 per cent year over year. EPS noted a 60 per cent increase in shootings compared to May 2022.
Police have managed to seize more than 500 guns so far in 2023.
