Peterborough police say Wednesday’s shooting at a residence is now a homicide investigation after one of two victims died.
On Thursday morning, the Peterborough Police Service held a media briefing to update the afternoon shooting at a Park Street South residence.
Det. Sgt. Josh McGrath says a 31-year-old Mississauga man has died of his injuries while a 29-year-old Mississauga man was also taken to hospital for non-life-threatening injuries and has since been released. On Wednesday police said “several” people had been taken to hospital.
The name of the victim was not released.
Investigators are searching for four suspects who are believed to be in their early 20s to 30s. No descriptions were provided of the suspects. Police are working with other police services both regionally and provincially.
“The victims and the persons responsible are associated to each other and there’s no risk for public safety,” said McGrath.
Officers just before 1 p.m. responded to a 911 call about a shooting. Police cordoned off two residences and closed off the area between Romaine and Park streets. McGrath said the shooting occurred at 124 Park St. South.
Neighbours in the area told Global News Peterborough they heard several gunshots.
Media asked if drugs made be involved in the shooting.
“At this point in the investigation we’re unsure of their involvement here,” said McGrath. “It is one of the theories we’re investigating at this time.”
McGrath noted the residence is known to police.
“This residence does have police activity associated with it,” he said. “In terms of the scope and what generally happens there, I can’t comment at this time.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Const. Mike Penney at 705-876-1122 x232 or anonymously on the Peterborough Police Crime Line at 705-876-1122 x555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online www.stopcrimehere.ca.
“Witnesses in any investigation are very important to us,” said McGrath. “A lot of times, they have the best information. So we appeal to them and absolutely ask they come forward with any information.”
More to come.
— with files from Jessica Nyznik/Global News Peterborough
Coverage on Wednesday: