Teenagers hospitalized after reports of shooting in Kitchener

KITCHENER -

Waterloo regional police are searching for a suspect, or suspects, after reports of shots fired in Kitchener Saturday night.

Emergency crews were called to the area of Huber Street just after 9:30 p.m.

Police say they found a 17-year-old boy with gunshot injuries at the scene. He was taken to an out-of-region hospital for serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Police they say they were contacted shortly after when a 16-year-old boy from Kitchener went to a local hospital with a gunshot injury. He was treated and later released.

Officials say they’re still looking for who is responsible in what they believe to be a targeted incident.

“At this point we have no suspect information. It’s very early in the investigation. Whoever is responsible is outstanding and as soon as we have information that is necessary to ensure public safety, we’ll be sure to release that,” said WRPS Superintendent Eugene Fenton.

On Sunday, officers were seen canvassing the area and speaking to residents on the street.

Chris and Shelby Polzin say that, in 10 years of  living in the area, it's uncommon to see violent crimes.

"It happens maybe once a year," said Chris.

They were out for a walk on Sunday and were forced to go around the closed street.

"It's a pretty safe neighbourhood, I'd say everyone gets along or they keep to themselves, but I don't think it's a very common occurrence here," said Shelby. "It could have been anywhere. So I feel like either way, you can move somewhere else and it could happen there too."

Other neighbours tell CTV News that minor crimes happen often in the area, but violent events are rare.

Police are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact them.