Winnipeg Free Press - ONLINE EDITION

Hectic night as police chase gunplay

WINNIPEG - Amidst a hectic night of false alarms over the crack of fireworks, Winnipeg police had their hands full on Saturday night investigating a spate of shootings across Winnipeg.

"What’s most concerning is three incidents involving firearms being discharged so carelessly and putting all of the public at risk," said police spokesman Const. Jason Michalyshen at a Sunday press conference.

The mayhem began at about 10:20 p.m., when police were called to the area of Broadway and Garry Street, chasing reports of shots fired. There, they learned that an man with a firearm had been seen shooting at a vehicle that was speeding down the street. The man then fled on foot, police learned.

The police canine unit was brought in and just around the corner, near the intersection of Broadway and Main Street, police stopped a vehicle that is believed to be connected to the incident. The vehicle had apparently not been struck by bullets, police said.

Only an hour and a half later, police were again called out after reports of gunplay. This time, officers attended to the 500 block of St. John’s Avenue, where they found some shell casings in the area.

Though nobody was hurt in the incident, police are speaking with an individual who had stepped out of his vehicle and heard shots being fired.

The man had family in the area, police said, noting that the man may have been directly involved. There are no reports of injuries and the investigation is ongoing.

Finally, just before last call at a hotel bar in the 700 block of Main Street, a lone man armed with a handgun fired several shots inside the bar.

There were a number of men inside who fled through the back door. Nobody is yet known to have been injured in the incident, and police are still investigating whether or not the shooter was targeting any specific individuals.

There’s no evidence at this point to suggest the shootings are related or that there could be gang connections, Michalyshen said.

Anyone with information about the shootings is urged to contact Winnipeg police or CrimeStoppers.

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