Fatal Shooting in Renfrew Leaves Community Shocked

Ontario Provincial Police are looking into a deadly shooting that happened in Renfrew, Ont., late Friday night.

Officers responded to a residence on Vimy Boulevard just before 10:30 p. m. Friday, according to an OPP statement.

Upon arrival, they found a person who had suffered gunshot wounds. The individual was taken to the hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after.

The suspect had already fled the scene before police arrived, OPP reported. As of 7:30 p. m. Saturday, no one has been arrested.

OPP issued a public safety alert for the town early Saturday morning; however, it has now been lifted.

*UPDATE* The public safety message issued for Renfrew earlier today has been lifted. Authorities believe this was a targeted and isolated incident. If you have any information, please call #Renfrew OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or #crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. ^jm

-@OPP_ER

Police indicate they think the victim was specifically targeted and that this shooting is not part of a broader issue. They have yet to reveal the identity of the victim.

<p When asked why no details about the suspect were available, OPP stated they couldn't share information that might "jeopardize the integrity of the investigation."

An update will be provided once an arrest takes place, they mentioned.

Residents Express Concerns About Safety

Marianne Moseley, who lives nearby, said she learned about the shooting last night after getting a call from a friend advising her to look outside.

From her porch, Moseley said she could see multiple police cars and ambulances present at the scene. She witnessed someone being taken out on a stretcher and loaded into an ambulance that then drove away.

A view Friday night of the residential street in Renfrew where the fatal shooting took place. An ambulance and police cruisers can be seen in the area. (Submitted by Marianne Moseley)

“This is the most serious thing our neighbourhood has seen since I’ve been living here – almost six years,” she shared.

Moseley noted that the house where this incident occurred has long been known as a “problem house.”

Another neighbor – whose name CBC agreed not to publish due to safety concerns – echoed her sentiments.

“I can’t really describe the feeling of knowing that somebody was shot right across the street from my home where I have two children,” she stated. “But given it is a frequent drug area, we’re not really surprised.”</pp

“Hopefully now, this will be the last of chaos over there.”</pp

The Mayor Urges Calm

<pf"<Renfrew Mayor Tom Sidney mentioned some residents are feeling scared after hearing about what happened and expressed worries about increasing gun violence in their community."}</pf

“From my perspective, we don’t tolerate violence and basically enough is enough,” he asserted. “You want everyone to feel safe and protected without living in fear.”</pp

Sidney pointed out that incidents like this are rare in Renfrew.
</pf<img<Renfrew Mayor Tom Sidney says he wants residents of Renfrew to feel safe and know there are resources for support available should they need it.(Guy Quenneville/CBC)<pf"<It's not something we're used to here. That makes it harder for residents because it's not something familiar," he added."}</pf

While people naturally want more details about what transpired , Sidney advised them not jump into conclusions.</pf"<I encourage everyone in Renfrew just hold tight. When we get more information , we'll definitely pass it along."}</pf

The OPP confirmed that their investigation is still ongoing. Renfrew sits roughly 100 kilometers west of downtown Ottawa.
</pf<img<Ontario Provincial Police say one person was shot and killed on Vimy Boulevard in Renfrew , Ont., on Friday night. As of midday Saturday no arrests had been announced.(Guy Quenneville/CBC)

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