Police want to identify 4 men following uptown shooting
2 people, including a bystander, injured by single gunshot early Saturday morning
WATERLOO — Two people were injured, one a bystander, in what police are calling a targeted shooting that took place in Waterloo’s uptown over the weekend.
Police were called to a shooting on King Street North near Dupont Street on Saturday just after 2 a.m., said Cherri Greeno, spokesperson with Waterloo Regional Police Service.
A fight that started inside a nearby establishment had moved out onto the street where two men were injured by a single gunshot, she said.
“One was a bystander and one was someone we believe was a targeted individual,” Greeno said of the victims. Both were taken to hospital with injuries and then released.
Taylor Lorentz, 24, and his girlfriend Gillian Wyatt 26, said they were inside the Starlight Social Club when the shooting occurred outside. While neither of them heard anything, they said club patrons began to learn what happened from staff.
“I went to the front door to leave and the girl that was working the cover station was like, ‘You can’t go ... there’s been a shooting, everyone has to stay here a little bit,’” said Wyatt.
“I thought she must have been mistaken.”
Lorentz said the bouncer was able to keep everyone calm. When it was finally deemed safe outside, they were allowed to leave. Outside, they saw paramedics with a man.
“He was holding onto his leg and paramedics were just kind of working on him,” said Lorentz, adding that he seemed “pretty calm.”
Despite the dramatic events of the night, Lorentz, who was born and raised in Waterloo, said he still feels safe in the neighbourhood..
“This is highly unusual,” said Lorentz. “I went to Laurier so I’m familiar with uptown and everything, and I’ve never heard of anything like this happening.
“I’ve never felt unsafe around here ... it’s just an unfortunate, single incident.”
Police released surveillance images of four men they want to identify in connection to the shooting. Greeno said they were last seen near Princess Street.
Anyone who witnessed the shooting or has information is being asked to contact police at 519-570-9777, ext. 8856, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
“We believe there were likely a lot of witnesses in the area who may have heard a sound because it was at the time when all the bars were getting out,” said Greeno.
“So we’re encouraging anyone who might have been in that area and may have seen or heard anything to contact us.”
The Record reached out to Starlight Social Club but did not hear back.