Elaine Watson was in bed Thursday when she heard several loud bangs outside her Whitby, Ont., home.
A 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 incidents are part of six shootings that have taken place in Durham Region over the last week, leaving homes marked by bullet holes and residents feeling anxious.
Watson said she leaped out of bed when she heard the noise and rushed to the window. Although she couldn’t see anything unusual, a bullet had struck the side of 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 one was hurt during these events, but police reported that people were inside their homes when the shootings occurred.
In a post on X on 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 stated.
After Thursday’s shooting, police shared audio capturing the sounds of gunfire.
LISTEN | Warning: Gunfire is heard at 12-second mark on Durham police audio:
Const. Emily Mitchell, spokesperson for Durham Regional Police Service, remarked that these shootings are concerning 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 region, representing a 50 percent increase compared to last year at this time.
Mitchell noted that while police can’t confirm if Thursday’s and Wednesday’s shootings are connected, they are actively investigating both cases.
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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 around Taunton Road and Baldwin Street S., in Whitby. Officers responded to reports of gunfire shortly after 1:15 a. m.
Two homes ended up with bullet holes as a result.
Watson’s home was among them.
The police have confirmed that at least two different firearms were involved due to finding two types of shell casings at the scene; about 20 casings were recovered altogether.WATCH | Durham police chief pledges swift action amid spate of shootings:
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Watson’s home was among them.
The police have confirmed that at least two different firearms were involved due to finding two types of shell casings at the scene; about 20 casings were recovered altogether.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 swift measures against gun violence following back-to-back nights of shots fired in the area; neighbors feel uneasy as details unfold. Britnei Bilhete has more.<P On Wednesday morning just after 2:05 am., officers received calls about shots fired into a housing complex located north of Oshawa near Taunton Road and Mary Street. The authorities found multiple shell casings after responding to reports from residents who said their houses had been hit by bullets during those early morning hours. “Residents were home at the time of the shooting and bullets entered their homes severely compromising their safety,” police stated in a news release issued Wednesday. Gabby Boileau is grateful her daughter wasn’t there when it happened but still struggles with what transpired since then. “There’s actually a bullet hole underneath the bed,” Boileau mentioned. “Had she been here that night instead of being at her father’s place it could’ve been fatal,” she added.<img src="Gabby Boileau", alt='Oshawa resident Gabby Boileau expresses concern following shooting' (CBC) “I don’t know how to feel honestly; it’s overwhelming.” I’ve barely slept since all this happened-just trying my best to stay positive while hoping law enforcement can do what they’re meant to do find whoever did this.” If anyone noticed anything suspicious or has any video footage including cellphone recordings or surveillance camera clips they’re encouraged to reach out and share with local authorities.<brSource link
