Ottawa police are looking for a suspect they consider armed and dangerous in the first of two unrelated shootings overnight.

Police said the first reports of shots came from Lowertown around 7:00 p.m. Friday, where officers found evidence of gunshots around an apartment building at 327 York Street.

"I saw a person with a gun in his pocket, hiding it in his coat as he ran by," said one eyewitness who didn't want to be named.

Daniel Enrique Esquivel, age 19, is wanted by the Ottawa police for firearms offences.

Police said he's considered armed and dangerous. He's described as being of Latin American descent, around five feet ten inches tall and weighing around 141 pounds.

An area resident who didn't want to appear on camera said she's tired of inaction on local crime at the community housing project, adding crack cocaine dealers are often seen on its streets.

The second call came from the Vanier area around 2:40 a.m., where witnesses reported hearing several shots and seeing unidentified suspects fleeing the area after a loud argument.

"(We heard) continued screaming and then four men on foot fleeing," said an eyewitness named Natalie. "Then there was a Jeep that went in pursuit of them, it jumped over the curb and went across here."

Police said they found several casings in the area of 100 Kipp Street and consider this unrelated to the first shooting.

People in Lowertown said they thought the dangerous days were behind them.

"It's a much quieter area now than it was two years ago, which was very encouraging," Natalie said. "I think last night was maybe more isolated."

"It's sort of a surprise now," said another neighbour. "Five years ago it wouldn't have been a surprise."

Police said people should be aware of their surroundings, but not panicked.

"It is a safe city," said Staff Sgt. Brad Hampton of the Ottawa police. "(Residents) don't have to be worried about things; although these are serious incidences that we're investigating I wouldn't say they're pervasive . . . the police are doing their job as much as possible."

The Guns and Gangs unit of the Ottawa police is investigating both incidents, and anyone with information can call 613-236-1222 extension 5050 or Crime Stoppers at 613-233-8477.

With a report from CTV Ottawa's Katie Griffin