Watch above: Gang activity is strongly suspected following a shooting in Saskatoon in broad daylight. Meaghan Craig says one man is in serious condition in hospital, two others are in police custody and still others are being sought.
SASKATOON – A scary situation for shoppers at the Giant Tiger parking lot after witnesses say they saw a man shot in broad daylight and the suspects flee on foot. On Tuesday, police were called to the 100-block of Avenue F South just before noon after reports of a shooting.
Saskatoon police are calling the situation very serious and the investigation very fluid.
“We have officers in the area. We do have people detained for questioning,” said Alyson Edwards, Saskatoon police spokesperson.
“We know that the victim did get into a vehicle, he was driven to the hospital where he is receiving treatment although the injuries at this time appeared to be life-threatening.”
There are few details at this time regarding the victim who was taken to St. Paul’s Hospital.
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Police say the number of suspects that fled the scene on foot are unknown at this time.
At least two people have been detained by police in connection to the shooting.
“I think that certainly when something like this happens the first thing we look at is gang involved activity, criminal activity by members of gangs or associates to gangs so I wouldn’t again want to say for sure one way or the other but certainly it’s a possibility.” added Edwards.
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Such an act of violence unleashed on mid-day in a crowded area has police concerned it will only be a matter of time before an innocent bystander becomes the victim.
“This speaks to the level of violence and the severity of violence that we’re seeing in our city right now involving gangs, the drug trade and guns.”
In April, the chief of police announced that the force would be introducing a gangs and guns unit to address this type of violence, the unit will be up and running in July.
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“Prior to that we have officers from specialized units working on this type of thing, day in and day out,” remarked Edwards.
In the meantime, police say while they do have good eyewitness accounts of the shooting, anyone with information can contact them at 306-975-8300 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Members of the public are also reminded by police that tips can remain anonymous.
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