
On July 31st, 2026 shortly after 1:00am, officers responded to reports of gun shots in the area of Balsam Street North near Fifth Avenue. One male victim was transported to the hospital and was pronounced deceased. The ensuing investigation determined that a person had been shot by another individual known to him. Officers secured the area and processed two residences and the outside areas for evidence related to this homicide investigation. The suspect in this investigation has not been arrested at this time.
On August 1st, 2026 shortly after midnight, officers responded to reports of gun shots in the area of Rea Street South and Wilson Avenue. Officers located three individuals with gunshot wounds. One victim was pronounced deceased, one remains in serious condition in hospital for life threatening injuries, and a third suffered a gunshot wound but was released from hospital. The area has been secured while investigators continue this homicide investigation.
Previous media releases were posted advising of these details. These two incidents are not linked to one another in any way. The circumstances that led to these crimes is still being investigated, however they are distinct and involve completely different people and circumstances. These crimes are not random acts of violence, but rather isolated conflict between people known to one another. Both crimes involve illegal firearms and have an element linked to the drug culture. It is understandable that two incidents of this nature are concerning to the public with two homicides occurring in such a short period of time. Police have seized some firearms, however given the nature of the crimes, the presence of firearms, and the propensity for violence by those involved it is understandable that members of the public would be concerned. There is no immediate threat to the public at large but police have not yet arrested all the individuals involved. At this point two people have been arrested, but the investigations are still in the initial stages and currently ongoing, so further details will not be shared at this point.
Numerous resources have been assigned to these two investigations, including the Crime Unit, Forensic Identification Section, the Emergency Response Team, with support provided by the OPP Forensic Identification Section and Tactics and Rescue Unit. There has been a strong police presence in these areas over the past couple of days, which will continue as the investigations move forward. Investigators have been working around the clock since the first homicide and will be continuing to work throughout the weekend.
More details will be provided on the status of any arrests and charges as these investigations continue to
unfold.