Three shootings in two weeks prompt heightened police response, public appeal for information

Three cases of shootings have occurred over the past few weeks in London. CTV’s Reta Ismail has more.

London police have released images of two vehicles believed to be connected to a daytime shooting in the downtown core last Friday, in one of three recent gunfire incidents under investigation in the city.

Officers were called to the area of Oxford Street East and Talbot Street around 2:45 p.m. on Aug. 22, after reports of gunshots — property damage was later found on nearby Piccadilly Street.

No injuries were reported, but police say the suspects remain outstanding. Photos of two vehicles involved in the incident have now been released, and investigators are asking anyone with information or dashcam footage to come forward.

It’s one of three shootings in the past two weeks that have police concerned.

Early Monday morning, a home on Foxridge Crescent was struck by multiple bullets. Surveillance video obtained by CTV News shows a vehicle driving southbound toward the house at 3:29 a.m., moments before shots were fired.

And in east London, a person was seriously injured in a shooting on Fieldgate Circle. Police have located a vehicle of interest, but no arrests have been made.

Det. Supt. Sean Travis with the criminal investigations division said all three incidents are being taken seriously.

“Anytime in London we have an incident that involves gunfire, we take it with the utmost seriousness,” Travis said. “We understand the impact it has on the community, the sense of well-being, the sense of fear that it creates.”

He said police have mobilized resources, including the major crime section and the guns and gangs unit, and are working with provincial partners as part of the investigation.

“We have noticed the uptick, that’s been three incidents in the past two weeks,” he said. “It is in our purview to examine the reasons for that as well as develop a response.”

Travis noted that while last year saw a decrease in violent crime, continued vigilance is essential.

Mayor Josh Morgan said recent gun violence is part of the reason the city has made what he called “historic” investments in the London Police Service.

“A city our size, there’s always going to be crime,” Morgan said. “But the chief is on track. He’s well aware of the situation, and they’re working very hard to ensure London continues to grow safer each and every day.”

Despite the recent violence, Morgan pointed to encouraging trends, including faster response times and a declining crime severity index, even as other cities are seeing increases.

“There’s crime out there. That’s why the new operational plan is being deployed,” he said. “And we’re starting to get ahead of this.”

Police continue to investigate all three incidents and are appealing to the public for any information that may help identify the suspects.