John Pearie was abruptly awoken early Saturday morning by a sharp bang echoing through his townhouse complex in northwest London, Ontario. Startled, he peered out of his back window, only to catch a glimpse of several figures hurrying down the path, heading southward. Little did he know at that moment that a shooting had just occurred nearby.

London’s major crimes unit of the London Police Service is now delving into the incident, responding to the call that came in around 4:45 a.m. at the intersection of Limberlost and Gainsborough Roads. According to Pearie, a longtime resident of 1481 Limberlost Road, the sound resembled that of a shotgun or rifle, leaving a palpable tension in the usually quiet neighborhood.

Reports from residents relay a swift response from law enforcement, with over a dozen police cars descending on the scene shortly after the shooting. The victim, found with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound, was promptly treated at a hospital, as per London police’s official statement.

In the aftermath, police began canvassing the area for surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts, urging cooperation from locals to aid in the investigation. Pearie, who has actively lobbied for enhanced safety measures in the neighborhood, shared his efforts in securing parking lot cameras to deter criminal activities like vandalism and theft, longstanding issues in the community.

“It’s disheartening to see troublemakers disrupt our peaceful coexistence,” remarked Pearie, emphasizing the need for unity among residents. “We’re all in this together, and unnecessary hardships caused by a few individuals shouldn’t define our community.”

Authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to reach out to the London Police Service at (519) 661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information can also be submitted anonymously online through London Elgin Middlesex Crime Stoppers. Residents are encouraged to check their surveillance systems for any footage that might assist in the ongoing investigation.