RCMP are scheduled to give an update at 4 p.m. AT about what they have called a “targeted” shooting into a car Friday night in western Prince Edward Island that left at least one person dead.
Scott Ferris, the RCMP’s senior communications adviser for P.E.I., had previously told CBC News that the incident happened around 8 p.m. AT on Friday, in the Urbainville area near Wellington.
When police responded to reports of shots being fired along the Hackmatack Road, they found a 2008 Toyota Corolla that appeared to have struck a utility pole and crashed into a ditch.
The male driver was pronounced dead at the scene and a 50-year-old Summerside woman was taken to Prince County Hospital with serious injuries, Ferris said Saturday morning.
Since then, hundreds of people have been sharing rumours on social media about what happened, with many asking why police have not confirmed whether they are seeking a specific suspect or alerting people living near where a suspected suspect may be hiding out.
Sunday night, the RCMP sent out a followup statement.
“There are extensive police resources deployed on this investigation,” it said, listing RCMP Major Crime as the lead investigating body, with forensic, canine and traffic support as well as help from Summerside and Kensington’s police agencies and the P.E.I. Coroners Office.
“These units and organizations are examining all aspects of the incident. These situations involve a wide range of police and public safety resources, personnel and effort, which requires time to do that work effectively. Collectively, these organizations are working hard to reach a successful outcome for public safety.”
The statement went on to say that it “is clear from the investigation so far… [that] the nature of this incident appears to be targeted and isolated. As for the greater risk to the public, we did not issue an Alert Ready message as this incident did not meet the strict criteria granted to police for using it.”
Police are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact Prince District RCMP at 902-853-9300 or 902-436-9300.
People wanting to stay anonymous are being asked to call P.E.I. Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
