Shooting victim identified, search continues for missing car

Shooting suspect still at large From CTV Kitchener's Daryl Morris: The latest on the investigation into the shooting death of Isaiah MacNab.

A man shot and killed in downtown Kitchener Thursday has been identified by family as Isaiah Thomas MacNab.

Sister Claudia called the 20-year-old her “best friend, her world, and her source of happiness through life.” Both MacNab’s sisters and mother are asking for privacy while they grieve.

Around 11:15 a.m. Thursday, Waterloo Regional Police received multiple calls of gunshots fired at a Salvation Army building on King Street East and Pandora Avenue.

MacNab was found dead at the scene.

Witnesses said a man shot MacNab multiple times and then got into a white 4-door Mercedes being driven by a second man.

Officers followed the vehicle from Highway 401 to Highway 6 South where it abruptly did a U-turn and returned to the 401.

A police car following the Mercedes hit a passing pickup truck during the pursuit. The officer and driver of the truck both sustained minor injuries.

At times the Mercedes was going more than 200 km/hr.

Waterloo Regional Police, Halton Police and OPP pursued the vehicle but lost sight of it near Erin Mills.

The license plate on the Mercedes, which reads BZBP 153, was stolen.

“We understand there is a concern from a safety standpoint,” says Cherri Greeno with the Waterloo Regional Police. “We do want to reassure the public that at this time it appears to be a targeted incident and there is not concern for community safety.”

The Salvation Army runs a program called New Beginnings at the Pandora Avenue location. It's a halfway house for those seeking help for substance, drug and alcohol abuse. The organization has confirmed MacNab was a client.

A statement from the organization reads in part: “We are deeply saddened by this tragedy, and our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. The Salvation Army takes the safety and security of staff, clients and the broader community extremely seriously and we are working closely with the authorities throughout this investigation.”

King Street East and Pandora Avenue reopened Friday afternoon, though police tape still surrounds the area where the shooting occurred.