Canada - GANG situation ‘very serious’

OFF THE WIRE
A Lord Roberts-area shooting that left an innocent teen injured is linked to infighting between two warring outlaw biker gangs, Winnipeg police say.

The Taft Crescent shooting, along with a number of other recent violent incidents, could be tied to an ongoing, apparently escalating conflict between the Rock Machine and Redlined motorcycle gangs.

It is also one police, in court documents, have been quietly warning could spill over onto Winnipeg streets for about two years now.

The 14-year-old victim of Monday’s shooting — which saw more than 20 shots slam into the front of a townhouse in the early morning — remains in hospital in stable condition.

A bullet from a large-calibre gun struck the teen in the lower body, but police said he wasn’t targeted and was “caught in the crossfire.”

Investiga tors are also continuing to investigate two other house-shooting incidents from last week that are linked to the same gang feud, said Const. Jason Michalyshen.

Michalys hen added the seriousness of the situation has prompted the force to take swift action to try and ensure cooler heads prevail.

“We’re closely monitoring these situations ... these incidents are happening in quiet communities.... The impact this is having on families, young people, is something that all members of the public need to be aware of,” he said.

“From our perspective, it’s escalated enough.”

He declined to state what measures police are taking to try and suppress the violence, saying it would be “bad advertising” to discuss operational tactics.

“It’s very serious. It’s important that members of the public trust in us that we are out there.”

Michalyshen asked the public to report all suspicious activity. “In light of what’s taken place, we will be dispatching ... numerous resources,” he said.

http://www.metronews.ca/winnipeg/local/article/909408--gang-situation-very-serious