UPDATE: Regina police say Sunday night shooting was targeted

A man walked into a Vietnamese restaurant and opened fire on a 34-year-old man in an attack police say was not random.

It happened Sunday night at Viet-Trung Garden on Albert Street. Police said they were called out shortly after 9 p.m. for report of a shooting.

Superintendant Corey Zaharuksaid a man walked into the crowded restaurant with a gun and shot at the 34-year-old, who was sitting at a table by himself.

The shooter then ran out of the building. The victim was the only one hit and, as of Monday afternoon, was in hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

A manager at the restaurant said the victim ran to the back of the building after it happened, and they called police.

Police kept several details of the shooting to themselves, like what kind of gun was used, how many shots were fired, and why they believe the shooting was targeted. Zaharuk said they want to keep some details quiet so only the shooter would know them.

Zaharuk called the shooting incredibly reckless.

“Shooting someone is a reckless act, shooting someone where there are a number of other people in close proximity – it’s very concerning to us.”

As of Monday afternoon no arrests had been made in the shooting.

Police are asking for help in finding the shooter, though they could only say that it was a man. Anyone with information is asked to call the Regina Police Service at 306-777-6500, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

GUN CRIME

This is the latest in an increase in crimes involving guns in Regina.

According to Zaharuk, weapon and gun crime in the city is up a third this year over the last ten years. He also said officers in Regina have seized a high number of firearms over the last couple of months.

Speaking in general terms, Zaharuk said police believe there are more guns circulating because they’re being stolen.

“There’s an increased presence of firearms, replica, and air soft guns as a result of property crime, where stolen guns hit the street.”

He also said air soft and replica guns are easy to buy.

Some of the offenses are related to the drug trade, Zaharuk described it as low-level disorganized crime related to group conflict. However, he also said most gun cases are not related to gang activity.