The startling sounds of gunfire shattered the usual calm of a northwest Edmonton neighborhood yesterday afternoon, leaving residents on edge and police searching for those responsible.
Officers responded to multiple reports of shots fired near 127 Street and 146 Avenue around 3:15 p.m. Tuesday. When they arrived, they found evidence of gunfire but no injured victims at the scene.
“I was just finishing up some gardening when I heard what sounded like firecrackers,” said Margaret Leung, 62, who has lived in the area for over two decades. “Then I heard tires screeching. It’s frightening to think this happened just down the street from where children play.”
According to police spokesperson Constable James Herrera, witnesses reported seeing several people flee the area in vehicles immediately after the shooting. Investigators believe this was a targeted incident and not a random act of violence.
“We’re asking anyone who may have been in the area around that time to check their dashcam footage or security cameras,” Herrera said during an afternoon press briefing. “Even the smallest detail could help us identify those involved.”
This incident comes amid growing concerns about gun violence in our city. Edmonton Police Service data shows a 12% increase in firearms-related calls over the same period last year.
Ward 3 Councillor Karen Principe expressed her concerns about the incident. “The safety of our neighborhoods is paramount. We’re working closely with EPS to ensure residents feel secure in their community,” she told me during a phone interview this morning.
Several businesses in the area temporarily locked their doors when the shooting occurred. Marwan Al-Hassan, owner of Marwan’s Corner Market, described the moment the shots rang out.
“I was helping a customer when we heard the gunshots. I immediately locked the doors and moved everyone away from the windows,” Al-Hassan recalled. “In my seventeen years running this store, this is the first time something like this has happened so close.”
The investigation has prompted increased police presence in the northwest neighborhood, with officers conducting door-to-door inquiries and analyzing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and homes.
Community resource officer Sergeant Tracy Palmer has been meeting with concerned residents today. “We understand this kind of incident creates fear. We want the community to know we’re taking this very seriously and dedicating significant resources to finding those responsible.”
Local community league president Devon Williams is organizing a safety meeting for next week. “When something like this happens, it’s important we come together as neighbors. We’ll be discussing concrete steps we can take to keep our eyes open for each other.”
Police have yet to release descriptions of the suspects or vehicles involved but urge anyone with information to contact them directly or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
For many in the usually peaceful neighborhood, yesterday’s events have left them reflecting on community safety.
“I’ve raised three children here,” said longtime resident Thomas MacPherson. “We’ve always felt safe, and I still believe this is a good community. But it does make you think twice about letting the grandkids play outside unsupervised.”
EPS has confirmed they’ll be maintaining an enhanced presence in the area throughout the week as the investigation continues.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact the Edmonton Police Service at 780-423-4567 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
