Ottawa police are investigating a report of shots being fired during a high-speed chase on Tuesday, during a year where the number of shootings has already surpassed last year's total.
They said two vehicles were chasing each other at high speeds around 4:40 p.m. in the area of Blair Street and Station Boulevard in east Ottawa.
A passenger in one of the vehicles apparently fired two shots at the other one involved.
"When there's gun shots flying around and car chases, it's pretty traumatic for us here," said Paul Bendus, whose lawn was where one of the involved groups ditched a vehicle.
"This is a peaceful neighbourhood, I've been here for over ten years and none of this stuff ever happened here," said Alexander Gabriel.
Police said they’re looking for three suspects, all black men in their 20s.
A member of their Guns and Gangs unit said gang-related incidents like there are making them concerned about turf wars and innocent victims.
"They're being more brazen and a lot of these guys that are carrying these firearms, street gang members in particular, there's no accountability for anybody but themselves," said S-Sgt. Mark Patterson.
"They're not worried about innocent bystanders."
This shooting is Ottawa's 26th of 2012, already surpassing all of 2011 which had 23. Police also said more violence is happening during the day.
However, Patterson said it's hard to compare to the brazen recent shootings in Toronto, even though disputes are being settled more and more with firearms instead of fists and knives.
Anyone with information can call the Ottawa police’s Guns and Gangs unit at 613-236-1222 extension 5050 or Crime Stoppers at 613-233-8477.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's John Hua
