Man in critical condition after being shot several times while sitting in his vehicle
A 31-year-old man is clinging to life in hospital after a gunman shot him in his car in the northwest neighbourhood of Athlone on Saturday night, say police, who have now released the victim’s name to generate tips.
The gun call around 9:50 p.m. on 129 Avenue near 130 Street triggered a large police response before the victim was taken from the scene by ambulance.
Upon arrival, police said they found a man, who appeared to have multiple gunshot wounds, slumped over in a vehicle parked on the street.
Homicide detectives have taken over the investigation.
Police said the victim, Peter Penac, was shot while sitting in his white Lexus sedan. Investigators are asking the public for any information about Penac’s whereabouts in the time prior to the shooting, and say he is known to police.
Penac was rushed to hospital by paramedics, where he remained in critical condition Sunday afternoon.
A witness who lives in the area said he was the first person to respond to the scene and found the injured man slumped over inside the car.
A red vehicle fled after gunshots rang out, the witness said. Other neighbours immediately called 911.
John Fitzgerald was another witness who arrived at his house in the area just before the shooting.
He said when he turned onto his street, he saw a red car near the scene. As he was walking up to his house, he heard sudden pops.
“I just kind of dropped my bags and bee-lined it for the bush right in front of the house,” he said.
The shots came one right after another, Fitzgerald said.
“I was lunging for the bush and I heard the wheels peel out. It just freaks me out — goosebumps just talking about it,” he said.
Investigators remained on scene early Sunday before the white car was taken away. No arrests have been made.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Edmonton police or Crime Stoppers.