Man hospitalized after daytime shooting near downtown Victoria

A man is in hospital after a shooting that prompted police to close a portion of Bay Street on Tuesday afternoon.

Police said it happened outside a home in the 1500 block of Bay Street, between Forbes and Victor streets, around 12:45 p.m.

The victim was located on scene and taken to hospital, police said. Investigators spent several hours searching the area for suspects and evidence, however it was not immediately clear if police had anyone in custody.

Neighbour Chris Perry said the home where the shooting happened was known in the neighbourhood for having people constantly coming and going.

He said he heard four shots, then the sound of a vehicle fleeing.

“I heard a car take off, right after the shots,” he said.

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Tony Patriarche said he shared the rental house with the victim and three other people.

He said he was asleep when the shots were fired, but was awakened by the victim who he said is in his 30s or 40s.

“The first thing I knew is that the resident who was injured came and called my name and told me he’d been shot,” he said. “In the backside”

Patriarche said police had attended the home the day prior, but for an unrelated medical call. However, he said someone had set off bear spray at the home about 10 days before that.

Police had initially asked residents to remain indoors “out of an abundance of caution,” but gave the “all clear” around 3:45 p.m.

Drivers in the area were being warned to expect traffic impacts, and police said a portion of Bay Street remained closed late Tuesday afternoon.