Ottawa and the surrounding region of Eastern Ontario are paying close attention after Kingston Police launched an investigation into a disturbing series of air rifle attacks on pedestrians Tuesday afternoon.
According to Kingston Police, two separate pedestrians were shot by an air rifle fired from the back of a moving vehicle in broad daylight. Investigators are actively searching for a black vehicle and the occupants believed to be responsible for both incidents.
What We Know
Kingston Police confirmed both shootings occurred early Tuesday afternoon — victims were pedestrians going about their day when they were struck. While air rifles are not classified the same way as conventional firearms under Canadian law, they can cause serious injury at close range and are considered dangerous weapons when used to target people.
Investigators have not yet released the exact locations of both incidents or whether the victims sustained serious injuries, but police are treating the cases as connected and are seeking the public's help to identify the suspect vehicle and those inside it.
Why Eastern Ontario Is Paying Attention
Air rifle attacks from vehicles are relatively rare in Ontario but not unheard of. Ottawa residents and those living across the region — including Kingston, Brockville, and Pembroke — share the same Eastern Ontario communities, and incidents like this serve as a reminder to stay aware of your surroundings in public spaces.
Ottawa Police have handled their own investigations involving air guns and BB guns in past years, particularly in residential neighbourhoods and near school zones. These incidents often go underreported because victims may not immediately recognize the type of weapon involved.
What to Do If You See Something
If you're in Kingston or nearby and spot a black vehicle with occupants behaving suspiciously or appearing to aim something from the back window, do not approach the vehicle. Kingston Police are asking anyone with information to come forward immediately.
For Ottawa residents, the standard public safety advice applies:
- Call 911 if you witness a crime in progress
- Contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)
- Report suspicious vehicles to your local police non-emergency line
Air Rifles and Canadian Law
Under Canadian law, air rifles with a muzzle velocity over 152.4 m/s (500 fps) are classified as firearms and require proper licensing to possess. Firing any projectile weapon at a person — regardless of classification — is a criminal offence. Using a vehicle to carry out such an attack can add further charges under the Criminal Code.
If you were one of Tuesday's victims and have not yet spoken to police, Kingston investigators are urging you to come forward so they can piece together a complete account of events.
Anyone with information about the black vehicle or its occupants is asked to contact Kingston Police directly or reach out anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
Source: CBC Ottawa
