The Victoria Police Department (VicPD) Major Crimes Unit is investigating a late night shooting in Esquimalt that left two people hospitalized, one with life-threatening injuries.
On Sunday, June 16, just before 10:30 p.m., VicPD received a report of multiple shots being fired on the 1100-block of Lyall Street.
Officers with VicPD’s Major Crimes Unit and Forensic Identification Services Unit are currently investigating the incident, and no arrests have been made.
"The shooting is believed to be targeted; however, the discharging of a firearm in public is highly dangerous and officers are completing an ongoing risk assessment for public safety. Should it be determined there is any risk to public safety, updates will be provided," noted a news release from the police department.
According to Island Health, both Victoria General Hospital and Royal Jubilee Hospital were locked from about 11:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. at the request of police "due to an incident in the community." They say patients were not turned away while the security measures were in place.
"Island Health has robust procedures in place should enhanced security be required," noted a statement from Island Health. "Island Health Protection Services Officers worked closely with law enforcement during this event and we appreciate our protection services’ support of our sites, care providers and the public."
Police are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact the EComm report line at 250-995-7654, extension 1.