Police say they’re doing everything they can to combat violent crime in Halifax after a 22-year-old was shot yesterday afternoon. It’s the third gunfire incident in the city since Friday.
Halifax Regional Police were called to the parking lot at 55 Highfield Park Dr. at 1:45 yesterday, where they found a 22-year-old man who’d been shot in the chest near the building’s rear entrance. His injuries aren’t considered life threatening, and he was taken to hospital.
People at the scene later identified the victim to several local TV stations as Ryan Jessop. Bystanders saw two suspects running away from the scene.
Police don’t yet know if the victim knew his attackers.
Const. Jeff Carr said the shooting isn’t connected to the murder of Terry Marriott, Jr. on Friday, but it’s “too early to tell” if it’s linked to a Sunday-night shooting during a robbery on Dartmouth’s Dundas Street.
“There’s been a spate in the last few days, but statistically, violent crime has trended downward significantly,” Carr said.
“These types of incidents are not random in nature. Typically, they involve the criminal element. We are out there targeting that element.”
He said police have put 100 more officers on the streets in the last four years, thanks to added provincial and city funding, and those officers are doing everything they can to keep the public safe.
“Particularly where incidents involving gunfire occur, it’s of concern to us, and it’s of concern to the public.”
Investigators are still waiting to formally interview the victim.
Reports indicate Jessop has a criminal record that includes convictions for break and enter, extortion and uttering threats.
