Regina police searching for suspect after restaurant shooting

Regina police are searching for a suspect after a shooting inside a restaurant in the downtown area on Sunday night that sent one man to hospital.

Officers were called to the 1900 block of Albert Street just after 9 p.m. on Sunday.

Police say a lone man entered a business and discharged a firearm.

A 34-year-old man was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries and police are currently investigating.

At a news conference on Monday, police said the restaurant was filled with dozens of people at the time of the shooting. Police believe the victim was by himself.

“The shooter immediately left the restaurant and so that’s part of our investigation,” Regina police acting chief Cory Zaharuk explained.

“The restaurant was full, that included adults and children.”

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The owner of Viet Trung Garden, who did not want to be identified, said he was in the back of the restaurant at the time when he heard three gunshots and what sounded like fireworks. He said the victim was waiting for three of his friends when the shooting occurred.

The owner estimates there was roughly 40 people inside at the time.

He also told Global News the victim was a regular customer at the restaurant and was sitting by the window when he was shot. He said police were on scene collecting evidence until 4 a.m.

Police called the shooting incident extremely reckless.

“I used the term incredibly reckless because shooting someone is a reckless act. Shooting someone where there’s a number of people in close proximity, it’s very concerning to us,” Zaharuk said.

At this time, police do not have a description of the shooter.

“Currently we do not have anyone in custody in connection to this incident.”

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If you have information that could help police solve this crime you are asked to call 306-777-6500 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.