A man was rushed to critical condition hospital Tuesday afternoon after a shooting on Banff Avenue in southern Ottawa, according to officials.
The shooting took place around 12:40 p.m. in the middle of an Ottawa community housing complex, near a park and community center. The victim was taken to the trauma unit on the Ottawa Hospital civic campus, paramedics said.
Police cruises and caution tape surrounded the scene, not far from Ledbury Avenue. An alley that passed between two blocks of terraced houses was also cordoned off. A pool of blood could be seen on a road between the two buildings.
Banff Avenue Community House, which provides essential services as well as programs for children and youth from the Ottawa Community Housing Project, is right across the street.
Several people in the neighborhood told CBC that they heard several shots fired.
Charles Pereira, who lives nearby, said he had just spoken when he heard “a couple of shots.” He saw the police cars approaching and went out to see what was going on.
“I noticed that there was a gentleman lying on the sidewalk there like bloody and [first responders] they were trying … to revive him, “he said.
“It’s not the first time this has happened. They bring them here from time to time, the shootings,” Pereira said, though he added that it was the first time he had witnessed the aftermath of a shooting during the day.
Coun. Riley Brockington, who represents the area, posted on social media on Tuesday that she was “very sad” to learn about the shooting.
I am very sorry to hear of a shooting today on Banff Avenue that has sent a victim to the hospital.
Banff is closed by Kitchener & Ledbury.
PAHO remains in place. @BanffComHouse
– @ RiverWardRiley
Police are asking residents to avoid the area while the investigation continues.
It is unclear if there have been any arrests.
Officers responding to a shooting incident on the 2000 block of Banff Avenue with injuries. Please avoid the area. Updates to follow.
Avoid the area.
Updates to follow.
– @OttawaPolice
More to come.