A shooting in Esquimalt Sunday night that sent two people to hospital has left people understandably concerned and looking for answers, says Esquimalt Mayor Barb Desjardins.
Multiple shots were reported about 10:30 p.m. in the 1000-block of Lyall Street in what Victoria police believe was a targeted shooting.
“People in the community certainly are shocked,” Desjardins said. “We’re hopeful that VicPD will solve this quickly so that people can get a sense of their personal security back.
“It would be nice to get some more answers because there’s all sorts of speculation as to what has happened.”
Desjardins said the residence involved has been “problematic” in the past couple of years, with issues flaring up periodically, but added that Esquimalt is basically safe area.
“It sort of highlights that these things can be anywhere, and for the most part you would never know that criminal activity is going on.”
Marie Fidoe, one of the administrators for the Esquimalt Community Connection Facebook page, said the shooting has led to “lots of activity” on the page.
“Events like this generate a lot of interest in the community,” she said. “We do our best to stay factual and not subscribe to any rumours.
“It’s very concerning to the neighbourhood, especially the proximity to Macaulay school.”
The Esquimalt Recreation Centre is also less than two blocks from the scene of the shooting, Fidoe said.
The shooting prompted police to ask Island Health to temporarily place Victoria General Hospital and Royal Jubilee Hospital in lockdown, as a precaution.
The added security measure was in place from 11:30 p.m. Sunday to 2 a.m. Monday.
No arrests have been made and police said no public updates were expected Tuesday.
The VicPD Major Crimes Unit continues to investigate, and anyone with information is asked to call 250-995-7654, extension 1.
