Tragedy Occurs as Man Is Killed in a Shopping Mall in Ottawa
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Yonis Barkhadle, aged 27, was shot to death at the South Keys Shopping Centre. The incident reportedly occurred at 6 pm this past Friday, and the confirmation of his passing came by 10 pm. Barkhadle’s body was found riddled with gunshot wounds in the parking lot of the shopping centre. According to a police spokesperson, officers and paramedics were on the scene by 6:30 pm.
Roughly seven police cruisers were at the scene of the crime, specifically around a section of the parking lot at the mall’s north end. The area was sealed off, but stores were not shut down and shoppers continued to go about their business. However, by 8 pm, the north end of both the shopping centre and the parking lot had been closed off due to the ongoing investigation. There are also reports from civilians on the scene that the police didn’t allow them to leave restaurants for about half an hour so that they could conduct their investigation.
Policemen were observed scanning the ground with their torches to inspect for shell casings. Some of the staff in nearby stores claim that they didn’t see the shooting transpire as all their windows face east toward Bank Street. The shooting occurred out of their line of sight, near the corner. Other staff have reported that they heard the shots and proceeded to move toward the back of the store after locking their doors.
Locals in the area have been left feeling frantic and worried as concerns about safety have arisen. Some have suggested that increasing police presence in the area might be an idea worth considering, especially due to the fact that there is a gang presence in South Keys.
The investigation is being carried out as a homicide case, making it the 17th of its kind for the city. At this moment in time, no arrests have been made. However, the police have shared that they are looking for at least one suspect in the case, adding that this tragedy was premeditated and that the shooter potentially has accomplices.