Dozens of police swarmed through Leamington Friday hunting for a man who shot someone in broad daylight in the downtown core.
John Delgado’s parents live in the building at 5 Princess Ave., where police arrested the alleged shooter. He said the road was closed, he wasn’t allowed into the building and his parents weren’t allowed out.
“They’re trying to call me, they’re panicking,” said Delgado. “They don’t know what’s going on.”
“Is there somebody up there with a gun? You don’t know.”
Essex County OPP received a call around 12:30 p.m. about a shooting in the 100 block of Talbot Street East. One victim was taken to hospital with undisclosed injuries. But Const. Stephanie Moniz said he was conscious and speaking to officers. Police gave no other details about the victim. Moniz didn’t know Friday afternoon if police had found the weapon.
Delgado said officers told him it was a pellet gun and the victim was shot in the neck, but police have not confirmed that.
About two dozen officers responded to the call, including patrol, canine and tactical units. They blocked access to some streets. Residents and business owners were told to stay indoors as police scoured the area. Schools in town went into hold and secure mode, meaning exterior doors were locked and traffic in and out was restricted.
“We saw about eight or nine cruisers coming through town, then when I realized they were coming onto my parent’s road, I tried coming to see what was going on and they wouldn’t let anybody through,” said Delgado.
About an hour after the shooting, officers pulled a handcuffed suspect out of the building at 5 Princess Ave. Moniz said he’s a 33-year-old Leamington man. She had no other information about him. Delgado said the suspect lives in the building, and police have been to his apartment a number of times in the past.
Police said they are not looking for anyone else.
“We are confident that we have the person responsible in custody,” said Moniz. “So the citizens of Leamington need not worry.”
Man in photo is confirmed suspect in shooting. Removed from. 2-storey apt bldg by OPP. http://t.co/rno657Gnmf—
Dax Melmer (@DaxMelmer) September 05, 2014
Police appear to have made an arrest. http://t.co/37fMN5W42U—
Trevor Wilhelm (@WinStarWilhelm) September 05, 2014
They just brought this guy out of a building on Princess in Leamington. http://t.co/vsQ1Fla61o—
Trevor Wilhelm (@WinStarWilhelm) September 05, 2014
Officers with the Ontario Provincial Police in Leamington arrest a suspect wanted in connection with a shooting on Friday, Sept. 5, 2014. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)
An officer with the Ontario Provincial Police in Leamington searches along Princess Street for a suspect wanted in connection with a shooting on Friday, Sept. 5, 2014. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)
Officers with the Ontario Provincial Police investigate a shooting in Leamington on Friday, Sept. 5, 2014. (DAX MELMER/The Windsor Star)
Due to police activity in Leamington – all GECDSB schools in the area are in Hold & Secure—
Scott Scantlebury (@gecdsbpro) September 05, 2014
Leamington OPP search the area of Princess and Orange streets for a suspected wanted in connection with a shooting on Friday, Sept. 5, 2014. (TYLER JONES/Special To The Star)
