Man critically injured in south Ottawa shooting

A man was rushed to hospital in critical condition Tuesday afternoon following a shooting on Banff Avenue in south Ottawa, first responders say.

The shooting happened around 12:40 p.m. in the middle of an Ottawa Community Housing complex, near a park and community centre. The victim was taken to the Ottawa Hospital's Civic campus trauma unit in critical condition, paramedics said.

Police cruisers and caution tape surrounded the scene close to Ledbury Avenue. An alley running between two blocks of rowhouses was also cordoned off. A pool of blood could be seen on a pathway between the two buildings.

Officers placed a tent over the pathway to protect the scene from intermittent rain.

Several children could be seen playing nearby. Some came close to the police tape to peer at the scene. 

The Banff Avenue Community House, which provides essential services as well as programs for children and youth in the Ottawa Community Housing project, is located just across the street. 

Charles Pereira, who lives in a nearby apartment building, said he was just getting off the phone when he heard "a couple of gunshots." He went to the scene, saw police cars pull up and went out to see what was going on.

"I noticed there was a gentleman laying on the sidewalk over there like bleeding, and [first responders] were trying to ... resuscitate him," he said.

"It's not the first time this has happened. They get them here every now and then, the shootings," Pereira said, though he added this was the first time he's witnessed the aftermath of a daytime shooting.

Two other witnesses said they heard three shots outside before police arrived. 

Coun. Riley Brockington, who represents the area, posted on social media Tuesday that he was "very saddened" to hear about the shooting.

Police asked residents to avoid the area as their investigation continues.

No arrests have been made, and the shooter remains at large.

Police are asking anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has any information about what happened, to call the guns and gangs unit at 613-236-1222, ext. 5050. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers toll-free at 1-800-222-8477 or at crimestoppers.ca.