The Ottawa Police Service is investigating a homicide that left a man dead and another injured in Ottawa’s west end Sunday morning.
Police say they received a call shortly after 9:30 a.m. reporting shots fired in the 300 block of Craig Henry Drive, near Woodroffe Avenue.
The Ottawa Paramedic Service told CTV News Ottawa multiple units responded to the scene and transported two patients to hospital.
A 20-year-old man was pronounced dead from his injuries, police said in an update. He has been identified as Mahad Elmi, of Ottawa.
Paramedics said another man suffered critical injuries. Police later said a 21-year-old man suffered serious but non-life threatening injuries.
“Officers have been in the area collecting evidence and canvassing for witnesses,” police say.
“The incident is being actively investigated by the Homicide Unit.”
No one is in custody at this time.
Bystander recalls helping victim
Neighbour Eric Madore said he was in his home at the time of the incident when he heard sounds coming from outside that startled him.
“I was curious, so I looked out my front door and saw a car leaving in a hurry. I thought that was kind of curious and I put my shirt on, walked out a bit and saw a bunch of people over there running and saying, ‘call 911,‘” he said.
“Went around the corner and there’s someone laid out on the pavement.”
Madore says he then laid next to a man and reassured him he would be okay.
“I didn’t want him to be alone,” he said.
Madore says he has seen crime increasing in the area.
“There’s been a ramp up and incidents over time,” he said. “That never really happened here and it just seems to keep escalating.”
It marks the 10th homicide so far this year, the second in less than 24 hours, and the fifth in nine days.
“We share the community’s concerns about the level of violence in our city,” Ottawa police said in a statement Friday.
“Our officers continue to work around the clock to ensure public safety, prevent further violence, and support those affected. We know that enforcement alone is not enough, which is why we are committed to working with community partners to address the root causes of violence and build long-term solutions.”
Anyone with information about this homicide is asked to call the Homicide Unit at 613-236-1222, extension 5493, or leave a tip anonymously at crimestoppers.ca.
With files from CTV News Ottawa’s Camille Wilson
