Innocent people getting caught up in gang violence: police

A rash of gang violence in the area surrounding St. Paul’s Hospital is leading police to warn the public that innocent bystanders are getting caught up in the bloodshed.

Staff Sgt. Grant Obst, who oversees Saskatoon police targeted enforcement, said different sections of the police service are working to understand why there’s been a rise in gun crime involving gang members in a three-block radius between Avenue Q and Avenue R near 20th Street.

He told 650 CKOM in an interview Thursday afternoon that while gang violence is usually targeted amongst different crews, early investigations show some people who aren’t involved in the gang life are getting hurt.

“The fact that we’ve got these shootings happening, and in some cases innocent people getting hurt, that certainly causes concern,” he said.

The warning comes after 31-year-old Mark Enwaya was found dead in an Avenue Q alley on Tuesday, after reports of a man suffering from a gunshot wound to police.

Two teenaged boys, aged 15 and 17, have been arrested and charged with second-degree murder in the case.

Obst said it’s too early to tell if the homicide is connected to the recent gang violence, though rumours in gang circles have suggested it may have been an initiation mission.

“I can’t confirm or deny that,” Obst said, noting the investigation was in the hands of the major crimes unit.

He added the reports of gun crimes in the area have included some cases were shots were heard, but no victims were found. Others have involved people being shot and ending up in hospital.

Obst emphasized he doesn’t want the public to be afraid of the situation, but to be aware.

“You need to take steps to ensure you don’t put yourself in a position where you may become a victim,” he said.

“Don’t be walking down the street with your head buried in your phone. If it’s dark out, don’t be walking alone if you can help it.”