WINNIPEG — Two separate Winnipeg shootings – involving three victims – were related and only hours apart, police said.
On Wednesday, police confirmed the shootings that took place Monday in the North End and then in East St. Paul were connected.
“We’re looking at the possibility that the individuals involved might have gang associations,” Const. Jason Michalyshen said.
The first shooting happened in the 400 block of Pritchard Avenue, involving a 38-year-old man, who was shot and critically injured. Police responded to the shooting around 11 a.m., a couple of hours after the incident.
Prior to fleeing the scene on Pritchard Avenue, the suspects robbed two other victims and then forced them into a vehicle and drove them to the area of Raleigh Street, between Glenway Avenue and Foxgrove Avenue in East St. Paul, Man.
READ MORE: RCMP searching for 3 suspects in targeted East St. Paul double shooting
It was at this location where the two were shot before the suspects fled the area in the same vehicle.
When officers arrived on scene, there were two gunshot victims, a woman and a man. Both were transported to hospital in critical condition, but have been upgraded to stable.
“These appear to be very targeted incidents,” Michalyshen said.
RCMP said there are reports that a light-coloured, four-door car with three men was seen leaving the area at the time. It is believed the car is connected to the shooting incident.
Donald Street shooting not linked
Early Saturday morning, two men were rushed to hospital in critical condition after they were shot near Donald Street and Stradbrook Avenue.
READ MORE: No suspect in custody after shooting at Stradbrook and Donald, police say
Winnipeg Police Service confirm that 32-year-old Theodoros Belayneh from Edmonton did not survive his injuries.
Michalyshen said this shooting is not related to the Pritchard Avenue and East. St. Paul one.