A Saint John Police Force vehicle sits in front of police headquarters at One Peel Plaza. Image: Brad Perry
Saint John police have dealt with several instances of gun violence in the city’s north end so far this year.
Chief Robert Bruce was asked about the violence during the monthly Saint John Board of Police Commissioners meeting on Tuesday.
Bruce said the force is taking different enforcement activities, adding patrols have increased in the north end.
“But, we haven’t increased our foot patrols because most of these crimes, except for the early morning shooting, are late at night, so foot patrol is ineffective at the point, but we are also focusing our resources on criminal operations and the criminal culture in the area,” said Bruce.
Police said a 26-year-old man suffered life-threatening injuries after being shot in the area of Cedar Grove Crescent around 3:45 a.m. on Jan. 19.
A 27-year-old man was arrested for attempted murder the next day during what police described as a “high-risk traffic stop.”
Less than a month later, on Feb. 15, police responded to a shooting on St. Paul Street just before 7:40 a.m.
Police said a 35-year-old man suffered life-threatening injuries and was rushed to the hospital by ambulance. No arrests have been made.
Bruce noted the hardest part when dealing with these types of crimes is when a victim does not want to cooperate with the police.
He added if residents witness any suspicious activity, never hesitate to call the police.
“Do not hesitate to call us … if there’s something that doesn’t seem right with what you’re seeing please call us,” he said.
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