Altercation led to targeted shooting in Kitchener; police looking for multiple suspects

One person was sent to hospital early this morning with non-life-threatening injuries after a targeted shooting in Kitchener.

In an update, the Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) shed some clarity on the situation that happened around 2:00 a.m. April 9 in the Lancaster Street West and Ash Street area.

Kyle Lambert, inspector of criminal investigations with WRPS, told CityNews that patrol officers responded to the scene and found a 44-year-old Waterloo man suffering from a gunshot wound.

“There was an altercation that took place at a business on Lancaster Street and as a result of the altercation, the shooting took place,” Lambert said. “We’re looking for a number of suspects who fled the area.”

Police said the man sent to hospital is expected to be released sometime today.

Officials were unable to confirm the number of people they are looking for or descriptions. Lambert said the public can expect a heavy police presence to remain in the area throughout Wednesday.

“We haven’t recovered any weapons at this point, so obviously it’s a concern for our police service,” he said. “We did have members of our canine unit out doing a search in the area.”

This is the region’s fourth shooting of the year and the second involving injury. At this time police say there is nothing tying the latest incident with any others.

“We don’t think there’s any threat to public safety,” Lambert said. “Like I said, we think it’s a target at instant, and we’ll investigate it as such.”

Anyone with information that could assist police in their investigation is asked to contact them at 519-570-9777 extension 6370.

Anonymous tips can be provided through Waterloo Regional Crime Stoppers.