NORTH BATTLEFORD – In a three-day span, the Battlefords RCMP responded to four separate incidents of shots fired in North Battleford, which police believe may be gang related.
The incidents occurred between Friday, Dec. 10 to Tuesday, Dec. 13.
“In the aftermath of these incidents, Battlefords RCMP is working tirelessly to investigate all aspects of these incidents, including the events and interactions leading up to reports of the discharge of firearms,” said Inspector Jesse Gilbert, Officer in Charge of the Battlefords RCMP.
“Battlefords RCMP continues to conduct witness interviews and gather physical evidence to create an accurate picture of the motives behind these crimes and whether some of the victims were targeted. Residents in the community can expect to see an increased police presence as officers investigate these incidents and work to help maintain public safety.”
When each report was received, Battlefords RCMP responded immediately to help ensure the safety of the community and those involved. Officers are continuing to investigate each incident and have increased proactive patrols in the community to help maintain public safety.
Officers are also working to gather information about potential suspects and vehicles involved in all incidents, and are asking residents to provide information that may help locate and identify the persons responsible for these dangerous crimes:
Dec. 10: At approximately 3:38 a.m., Battlefords RCMP received the report of shots fired at a residence located on 8th Ave. in North Battleford. Initial information received by officers on scene determined a suspect shot at the victim’s house and shattered the window.
At approximately 4:15 a.m., Battlefords RCMP received a second report of a single shot being fired. Officers patrolled the community and located the victim in a vehicle. Officers saw the back tailgate of the vehicle had some minor damage.
In both these incidents, officers conducted a thorough search of the scenes for evidence. There were no injuries reported to police and no clear descriptors of vehicles or suspects involved.
Dec. 11: At approximately 2 a.m., Battlefords RCMP received a 911 report of an individual who was shot. The call was disconnected. Officers were able to confirm the location of the call was at a residence located in North Battleford.
When police arrived they found a male victim who appeared to have sustained injury from a gunshot wound to the leg. The victim was taken to hospital by EMS.
Information received by officers revealed three unknown individuals dressed in black were seen leaving the house. Officers conducted a thorough search of the residence for evidence.
Dec. 12: At approximately 11:15 p.m., Battlefords RCMP received the report of an individual who sustained injury from a gunshot wound. Officers immediately attended and launched an investigation.
Initial information gathered by police determined the male victim was walking along the intersection of 110th Street and 11th Ave in North Battleford when he was shot.
The victim walked to a nearby house for medical assistance and was treated by EMS for injuries described as being serious, but non-life threatening.
There were no suspects identified or vehicles involved.
Dec. 13: At approximately 3 a.m., Battlefords RCMP were at a hospital for an unrelated call when a female entered the building reporting she had been shot in the head.
Initial investigation by police determined the victim was driving in her vehicle and observed a dark coloured vehicle, possibly a jeep, begin to follow her. When she approached 105th street, near a gas station, the vehicle pulled up beside the victim’s driver’s side.
An unknown individual discharged a firearm towards the victim’s vehicle, shattering both driver’s side windows. Both the front and rear driver’s side windows were shattered.
The victim was able to drive home and was taken to hospital by a family member for treatment of what were described as being serious, but non-life-threatening injuries.
The victim’s vehicle was seized by officers for further investigation. Officers are working to gather a detailed description of the suspect(s) and the suspect vehicle.
There is insufficient information available at this time to confirm whether the victims and the suspects are known to each other or if these incidents are related. Based on preliminary information gathered by officers through neighbourhood inquiries and interviews, there are some indications the incidents may be gang related.
Battlefords RCMP currently has nine active investigations regarding the discharge of a firearm.
Battlefords RCMP is investigating all incidents with the assistance of the Battlefords RCMP Municipal General Investigation Section. Saskatchewan RCMP Forensic Identification Services has also been consulted.
Battlefords RCMP is asking residents in the community to report information about any of these incidents to police immediately and to assist with identifying the people and/or vehicles involved.
This is critical information that is required to help ensure the safety of residents in the community. Information can be reported to Battlefords RCMP by calling 306-446-1720. Information can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
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