Police probe gunshot victim gang ties
A mysterious girl named Sarah and two unco-operative gunshot victims have police from different jurisdictions probing links in a pair of shootings that might also have big city gang ties.
A 22-year-old Toronto man appeared at Windsor Regional Hospital around 9 p.m. Friday. About an hour later, a 30-yearold Toronto man arrived at Chatham- Kent Health Alliance. They both refused to cooperate with police.
“Gang-related, perhaps, certainly some affiliation with gang members in Toronto,” said Windsor police Chief Al Frederick.
“WE ARE NOT GETTING A LOT OF CO- OPERATION
WITH VICTIMS”
CHIEF AL FREDERICK
“We are not getting a lot of co-operation with victims, which is typical when they’re involved in that type of lifestyle. So we’re asking the community at all times to come forward if they know anything. We’re doing our best in light of the scenario that the people are not co-operating.”
Chatham-Kent police said the 30-year-old man showed up at Chatham Kent Health Alliance around 10 p.m. He was treated and released from hospital. Police said the man refused to tell police where he was shot or who was involved.
Windsor police said the man who appeared at Windsor Regional Hospital, with gunshot wounds to his left hip, was also treated and released. Police said he refuses to help investigators as well.
“This guy that presented himself at Met hospital in the ER, he’s a Toronto resident and we’re looking at the possibility that he may be associated to some gang activity in Toronto,” said Windsor police Sgt. Matthew D’Asti. “We’re not ruling that out at all. We’re looking at that angle, that he may be involved in some things up in Toronto.”
The victims in Chatham and Windsor both mentioned someone called Sarah.
“Both victims are claiming that they’re involved with a girl named Sarah,” said D’Asti. “That’s the common denominator.”
The victim in Windsor told police he was from Toronto and staying with a friend named Jordan. He couldn’t recall where Jordan lives.
The victim said he met a girl named Sarah in a downtown bar Thursday night. He claims he took a cab to Sarah’s house from Jordan’s place. He also couldn’t remember Sarah’s address, but said she lives in a small house with no front porch.
Investigators said the man claims that as he approached Sarah’s house, the front door opened. He went inside, where three masked men jumped him. One of the attackers had a black handgun.
There was a scuffle, and the attackers emptied the victim’s pockets. He told police he was able to escape.
But as he ran away, he heard two gunshots and felt pain in his left buttocks. He kept running until he found a taxi, which took him to hospital.
Anyone with information can call the Chatham-Kent Police Service major crime unit at 519-436-6616, the Windsor police major crimes unit at 519-2556700, ext. 4390, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).