Recent Gun Violence Shakes Durham Residents

Elaine Watson was in bed Thursday when she heard a series of loud bangs outside her home in Whitby, Ont.

The day before, 14 gunshots were fired at a housing complex in Oshawa, with one bullet discovered under the bed of a 12-year-old girl.

These events are part of six shootings that have occurred in Durham Region over the past week, leaving homes damaged and residents feeling uneasy.

Watson said she jumped out of bed when she heard the noise and rushed to the window. Although she couldn’t see anything, a bullet had struck her house.

“It’s disturbing because this is usually a very quiet neighbourhood,” Watson told CBC Toronto. “Now I’m nervous. Now I don’t think anywhere is safe.”

No injuries were reported during these incidents, but police indicated that people were present at home during all the shootings.

In a post on X Thursday, Durham Regional Police Chief Peter Moreira promised quick action against gun violence.

“We are committed to dedicating more resources to preventing and investigating gun-related crimes. Each illegal gun we take off the streets prevents untold numbers of shootings and victimization,” Moreira said.

Following the shooting on Thursday, police shared audio capturing the sound of gunfire.

LISTEN | Warning: Gunfire is heard at 12-second mark on Durham police audio:

Const. Emily Mitchell, spokesperson for Durham Regional Police Service, stated that these shootings are troubling for local residents.

“This is something that is affecting our communities across the region. This is something we are taking incredibly seriously,” Mitchell said.

“This is an alarming thing for our community.”

This year alone has seen 45 shooting incidents in the area, marking a 50 percent increase compared to last year at this time.

Mitchell mentioned that police can’t confirm if Thursday’s and Wednesday’s shootings are connected but affirmed they are actively investigating both cases.

Const. Emily Mitchell, spokesperson for Durham Regional Police, says: ‘This is something that is affecting our communities across the region. This is something we are taking incredibly seriously.’ (Sue Goodspeed/CBC)

In Thursday’s incident, shots rang out near Haverhill Crescent and Harrongate Place close to Taunton Road and Baldwin Street S., in Whitby. Officers responded around 1:15 a. m., following reports about hearing gunshots.

Two homes sustained bullet damage as a result.

Watson’s home was one of them.

The police have established that at least two firearms were used due to finding different types of shell casings; approximately 20 casings were recovered from the scene.
WATCH | Durham police chief pledges swift action amid spate of shootings:

Police chief responds after shots fired at Durham Region homes on consecutive nights

Durham’s police chief promises rapid action against gun violence following back-to-back nights where shots were fired at houses in the region. The latest event in Whitby has left neighbors feeling anxious. Britnei Bilhete has more details.

On Wednesday morning, 14 shots were fired into a housing complex located north in Oshawa near Taunton Road and Mary Street. Officers arrived around 2:05 a. m., responding to calls about hearing gunfire.

Multiple shell casings were found along with several houses being shot at during this incident.

“Residents were home at the time of the shooting and the bullets entered their homes severely compromising their safety,” police stated in a news release on Wednesday.

Gabby Boileau is mother to the girl whose room had been pierced by a bullet hole. While she feels thankful her daughter wasn’t there when it happened, she admits it’s been hard for her to process what took place.

“There’s actually a bullet hole underneath the bed,” Boileau said.

“Had she been here that night and not at her father’s it would have been fatal,” she added.Gabby Boileau an Oshawa resident says: ‘I’m just praying that police are able to do what they do best and find the perpetrator.’ (CBC)

“I don’t know how to feel honestly; it’s just overwhelming. I’ve hardly slept since it happened; I’m just trying my best to stay strong while hoping law enforcement finds those responsible.”
Anyone who might have seen anything suspicious or has any relevant video footage-whether from cellphones or surveillance cameras-is encouraged to reach out to authorities.

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