Shooting in Bells Corners leaves woman critically injured

A 24-year-old woman remains in hospital in critical condition today after an early morning shooting in the west end of Ottawa on Sunday, police say.

The shooting happened at abound 5 a.m. in the Bells Corners neighbourhood,near the intersection of Old Richmond Road and Moodie Drive.

Duty Insp. Carl Cartrightsaidthewoman was shot "at least one time" and was found with critical injuriesoutside a home on Sonnet Crescent.

There were other people in the home at the time, and police were still interviewing witnesses Monday.

"It's still unclear if this was a targeted shooting but what I can say is that it wasn't a random shooting," ActingStaff Sgt. Darren Vinet said Monday. "There is no person going around waving a gun."

Police don't know what prompted the shooting but do not believe it is linked to any of the homicides in Ottawa this year, Vinet said.

"We're still searching for a motive. That's probably one of the hardest things we can find in one of these situations," he said.

Injuries 'quite severe'

The major crimes unit is leading the investigation with the help of the guns and gangs unit, Cartright said Sunday.

"It's a major case. We do have a victim that was shot. Her injuries were quite severe," Cartright said. "It's not unusual to have the major crimes unit assume a lead of this case because you never know where it's going to lead.

"Of course we prepare for the worst but we always hope for the best," he added. "We hope she does recover from her injuries."

Police had taped off a large parking lot bordering Old Richmond Road after the shooting, with more tape around onehome on Sonnet Crescent.

There are currently no suspects and police are still working to figure out a motive, Cartwright said.