Shots rang out in the evening air in Blenheim last night, ultimately killing a local man.
Police say they got the call about 7 p.m.
They have learned that two men, known to the homeowner, attended the residence.
An argument ensued outside the home, and police say one of the men opened fire, hitting the homeowner’s friend, who was at the residence.
The victim, a 20-year-old Blenheim man, sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported to hospital where he succumbed to those injuries.
The suspects fled the scene, but police located the vehicle within minutes on Communications Road.
Police pulled the vehicle over and the driver surrendered.
But police say the passenger shifted into the driver’s seat and fled.
Officers pursued the vehicle and a high-risk traffic stop was initiated on Kent Bridge Road.
The man was taken into custody without incident and the firearm was recovered.
Members of the Criminal Investigations Branch and Forensic Identification Unit continue to investigate.
A post-mortem has been scheduled for today in London.
Both suspects are 19-year-old men from Windsor, and are charged with murder and attempted murder. They have been held in custody pending a bail hearing.
D/Sgt. Gabe Tetrault of the Criminal Investigations Branch added, “Last night, our frontline officers responded to a very serious and dynamic situation. Within minutes of the initial call, officers methodically and courageously identified, located and apprehended armed and dangerous criminals all the while preserving valuable evidence and maintaining public safety. This was teamwork at its finest – a testament to the value of good training and commitment to duty. As members of our Major Crime Unit take over the investigation, I would like to reassure the public that we believe this was an isolated incident and that there is no threat to public safety. We extend our deepest sympathies to all those involved in this tragic incident.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Constable Dan Hamilton at danha@chatham-kent.ca or 519-436-6600 ext. 284. Anonymous callers may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) and may be eligible for a cash reward.
The victim is reported to be Braedon Burk. His father commented on social media about the shooting.
“As a father you want the best for your kids, watch them grow, be great, turn out to be beautiful, respectful, caring and loving children; make you proud,” he wrote. “Well tonight, I lost, my son Braedon just 20 years old, his life taken. I have really no words. I was so proud of the young man he became; his sisters and brothers, lost so much tonight. I truly lost my best friend. My heart is broken.”
There is a GoFundMe page seeking assistance in paying for funeral costs.
