The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) continues to see the number of shootings increase through the month of May.
In May, there were a total of 19 reported shooting occurrences. Of the 19 occurrences, 15 are believed to be targeted and 7 of which resulted in injuries.
In 12 of the 19 shootings that occurred in May, there was the potential for innocent bystanders to be harmed.
“We continue to see an upward trend in gun violence,” says Acting Inspector Eric Stewart of the EPS Organized Crime Branch. “The numbers of shootings are up almost 20 percent since this time last year, which is really concerning. Our Firearms Investigation Unit, front line patrol members, along with other investigative units are working diligently to prevent and address firearm-related crime across the city.”
Compared to May 2022, this month’s shooting occurrences are up by 60%. There have been 76 shootings reported to EPS so far in 2023, which represents an 19% increase over last year at this time, when 64 shootings were reported to EPS.
Police have seized 521 firearms thus far in 2023.
A 2022 summary of gun violence in Edmonton can be found here.
Comments