A 39-year-old man is recovering after being shot in the parking lot of a St. Catharines shopping plaza on Thursday.
Niagara police report that his injuries are not life-threatening and that the suspects left the scene before officers arrived.
Investigators were dispatched to the plaza near Bunting Road and Carlton Street shortly after 7 a. m.
“We found out that one male was taken to the hospital with a single gunshot wound, and our detectives are currently investigating on scene,” said Niagara Regional Police Const. Jessica Martin.
In a statement to CHCH News, Niagara Emergency Medical Services initially confirmed, “paramedics responded and assessed an adult male with serious traumatic injuries. The patient was transported in critical condition (CTAS 1) to an out-of-region hospital for further treatment.”
Hours after the shooting, officers could be seen concentrating their investigation in the parking lot area.
A pick-up truck was at the center of attention; it appeared there was blood on the side of the vehicle and on the ground next to it.
Also visible were several evidence markers as forensic investigators collected evidence and took photos of the truck’s interior.
Police say that the investigation is still in its early stages, and few details have been released regarding what led up to the shooting or whether they are searching for a suspect.
This incident has made some residents and workers nearby feel uneasy.
Dave Dekker owns Herc’s Nutrition in the plaza and has lived in the area for many years.
“It was a lot of shock,” said Dekker. “I grew up in this area, my grandmother used to take me here, and it was very safe. We used to walk around. The last thing on my mind is to see shootings in the north end of St. Catharines. It’s a quiet area.”
Investigators are still seeking assistance from the public.
“Any businesses or residents in the area, if you can review any video surveillance footage – it can help us with our investigation,” said Martin.
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