Major Crime Unit investigating homicide in downtown Kitchener

Waterloo Regional Police continue to investigate a homicide in downtown Kitchener.

It was just before 11 p.m. on Sunday night when police notified the public of an increased presence in the area of 43 Queen Street South near Charles Street.

Officers responded to the area for reports of multiple gunshots, locating an 18-year-old Kitchener man shortly after arrival. The man was transported to a local hospital and later pronounced deceased.

The suspect is described as a Black male, approximately 5’10”, with a thin build, wearing jeans, a dark sweatshirt with a hood cinched tightly around his face, and a surgical mask. He was last seen fleeing the Queen and Charles Street area on foot.

Regional Police investigators believe this incident to be targeted, and that the suspect could be armed. They remind the public to not approach anyone with that description, but instead call 9-1-1 immediately.

More information is expected to be released when available.

Waterloo Regional Police tell CityNews this is the second homicide and ninth shooting this year.

Anyone with information that could assist police in their investigation is asked to contact them or Crime Stoppers.

A small plaza on the corner of Queen Street South and Charles Street is taped off for a homicide investigation. Police say gunshots were heard in the area last night, and one male has been pronounced dead. @CityNewsKIT pic.twitter.com/qx7kd1Wv5b

— Bradley Kraemer (@BradKraemerJr) August 14, 2023

One male has been pronounced deceased.

Members of our Major Crime Unit are now investigating this as a homicide.

Anyone with information is asked to call 519-570-9777 or @WaterlooCrime.

Police will be on scene throughout the evening as the investigation continues. https://t.co/oqVUI0a4Z3

— Waterloo Regional Police (@WRPSToday) August 14, 2023