North Bay shooting sparked by drunken parking lot fight, police say

A shooting in a school parking lot in North Bay early Wednesday morning was the result of an argument among a group of people getting drunk, police say.

A 19-year-old was taken to hospital after the 2 a.m. shooting on the property of Holy Cross Catholic Elementary School.

The victim remains in hospital and is recovering from surgery.

A 21-year-old from North Bay has been charged with attempted murder, along with a dozen other charges.

In a news release Thursday, police said a group of people were in the parking lot drinking alcohol when two people began fighting.

“An argument took place between the victim and the accused, and the accused threatened the victim,” police said.

“A short time later the accused produced a handgun and a physical altercation ensued. The 19-year-old victim was then shot in the abdomen.”

A witness called police and tried to help the victim, police said. The accused in the case fled the scene.

“The accused was located a short distance away by police and was taken into custody,” police said.

“A loaded handgun was located nearby. The accused was found to be in possession of a knife when searched.”

Holy Cross School was closed Wednesday while the police conducted their investigation, but has since reopened.

“The parties involved in the incident are known to each other, and have no affiliation to the school,” the release said.

The accused in the case remains in custody. In addition to attempted murder, other charges include numerous weapons offences, aggravated assault and uttering threats.

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“The North Bay Police Service’s criminal investigations unit is continuing to investigate this incident, and is requesting information from anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or who has dashcam footage or video surveillance of the area, prior to, or during the incident,” police said.

Anyone with information or footage is asked to call 705-497-5555 and press ‘5’ to speak with an officer.