Victim of Amherst shooting identified, police still looking for suspects

Police in Amherst, N.S., are investigating a fatal shooting.

A man has died after a shooting in Amherst, N.S., Monday night and police said they are treating it as a homicide.

The Amherst Police Department received a call about a “loud bang” near a homeless shelter on Prince Arthur Street just before 7 p.m.

The caller said an injured man was also on the ground.

Officers responded and found the man, who appeared to be seriously wounded from a single gunshot wound to his lower back.

The 41-year-old victim was pronounced dead in hospital shortly after.

He has been identified as Christopher Leggett. According to his obituary, he leaves behind a son.

Police said the man had been walking on Prince Arthur Street when a dark-coloured Subaru SUV pulled up behind him.

“The victim turned and looked at it and started to run. An occupant of the vehicle got out, had what appeared to be a long gun, and shot the victim,” Amherst Police Department Chief Dwayne Pike told CTV News Atlantic.

Pike said the victim fell and the car then fled the scene.

As far as suspects are concerned, Pike said they’re working on that and they have a lot of information coming in.

“A lot of it is good information and we’re encouraging that, but nothing I can release at this time,” said Pike.

“This was very clearly a targeted incident where people knew each other. The victim knew his attackers.”

Police say they considered the use of the Alert Ready System, but the incident did not meet the criteria at the time.

They did ask the public to avoid the area.

Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre was under access control, which limited the number of entrances available to the public and staff, Monday night.

The Cumberland Homelessness & Housing Support Association (CHHSA) confirmed the shooting happened outside its facility.

“Our immediate concern is for the safety and wellbeing of all individuals involved, including our guests, staff, and the broader community,” acting chair Sarah Flemming said in a post on Facebook.

“We are working closely with Amherst Police Department. Staff and guests of CHHSA were not involved in the incident, however are deeply impacted by the proximity to our shelter. We will do our best to keep our community informed as appropriate.”

‘I heard gunshots’

Kaden Cooke lives just a few steps from where the shooting took place.

Cooke said he heard a loud noise while making supper.

“It sounded like a ‘bang, bang.’ At first, it sounded like tires squealing,” said Cooke. “The next thing you know, I heard gunshots. Two gunshots and you could hear the car speed off like something bad happened.”

Cooke said that section of the street is a rough part of town, but the shooting still comes as a shock.

“It’s unfortunate that someone did lose their life,” said Cooke. “I don’t want to stay in the neighbourhood much longer.”

Police don’t believe there is any risk to the public at this time, noting those involved were known to each other.

Pike also noted homicides are not common in Amherst.

“It’s rare to have these kinds of things happen. We are a small town so everybody knows each other, but its not a common thing, no,” said Pike.

The town called the shooting a tragic incident.

“Our condolences to the victim’s family and friends. Our thoughts are with all those affected,” it said in a statement."

“An investigation by the Amherst Police Department is ongoing, and more details will be shared as they become available.”

The investigation is in its early stages.

Amherst Police Department’s Major Crime Unit has been called in. An RCMP Forensic Identification Unit was also seen assisting on Tuesday morning.

Police are asking anyone with information about the incident to call them at 902-667-8600 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Derek Haggett

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page