Two Men Hospitalized Following Shooting at Ottawa Intersection
A violent incident unfolded on Wednesday afternoon at a busy Ottawa intersection, resulting in two men being transported to hospital with gunshot wounds. According to authorities, one victim is fighting for his life while the other sustained less severe injuries.
Emergency Response and Victim Conditions
The Ottawa Paramedic Service received an emergency call at approximately 4:30 p.m. and rushed to the scene at the intersection of Bankfield Road and Prince of Wales Drive. A spokesperson for the service confirmed that one adult male suffered critical, life-threatening injuries and was transported to hospital in grave condition.
The same spokesperson reported that a second adult male was taken to hospital in stable condition with injuries described as non-life-threatening. Both individuals received immediate medical attention at the scene before being rushed for further treatment.
Police Investigation and Area Closures
Ottawa Police Service quickly established a significant presence at the location, describing the situation as "an active police operation" in a social media post around 6 p.m. Authorities implemented road closures in the vicinity of Bankfield and Prince of Wales, warning that the investigation would likely continue for several hours.
Police have urged the public to avoid the area entirely and anticipate significant traffic delays for anyone attempting to travel through the affected zone. While confirming an ongoing investigation, officials have not released specific details about what transpired or potential motives behind the shooting.
Location and Community Impact
The intersection where the shooting occurred is situated in south Ottawa within the Manotick area, typically a quieter residential and commercial district. The incident has undoubtedly shaken local residents and raised concerns about public safety in the neighborhood.
As the investigation continues, authorities remain tight-lipped about potential suspects, weapons recovered, or circumstances leading up to the violent encounter. The Ottawa Police Service has not indicated whether they believe this was an isolated incident or connected to broader criminal activity in the region.
This shooting marks another concerning violent incident in the Ottawa area, coming at a time when community leaders have been advocating for enhanced public safety measures. The intersection of Bankfield and Prince of Wales will remain an active crime scene as detectives work to piece together what happened during those critical moments on Wednesday afternoon.