Gunfire in downtown Moncton prompts large police response
Moncton residents were shaken Thursday morning after an exchange of gunfire between an armed individual and members of the Codiac Regional RCMP in the downtown core.
Police said they were called to reports of shots fired at about 8:08 a.m. near Victoria Street. When officers arrived, the person opened fire in the direction of police, Cpl. Luc Picard confirmed by email. Officers returned fire and later took the suspect into custody before the individual was transported to hospital "for assessment."
Police added that no RCMP officers were injured. Picard would not specify whether the arrested person had suffered injuries and said any further information would be disclosed as part of the ongoing investigation.
Eyewitness accounts and scene description
People living and working in the area described a chaotic scene. Residents who watched from nearby windows shared video showing officers approaching a person crouched beside a vehicle with a broken window. A handgun appears on the ground beside another vehicle that shows what looks like multiple bullet impacts.
One witness described seeing the person run north along the side of Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral with police in pursuit. In the footage, the subject can be seen grabbing at his side as a series of popping noises are audible; he was stopped close to St. George Street and later restrained.
"I watched [police] drag him back in, watch them cuff him, bring him back into the vehicle after," a witness told CBC News.
By shortly before 9 a.m., reporters observed more than a dozen officers at the scene between St. George and Victoria streets, with an area cordoned off by police tape. Investigators covered a firearm found on the pavement with a box. Authorities said they do not believe there is any further risk to the public while police continue to examine the scene.
Immediate local impacts
- One block of St. George Street was closed between Lutz and Archibald streets while officers secured the area and collected evidence.
- Residents near the cathedral reported being startled awake; several recorded video of part of the incident.
- Investigative activity remained visible for hours after the arrest as RCMP worked on scene.
Timeline (reported)
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| ~8:08 a.m. | Police receive report of shots fired; respond to Victoria Street area. |
| Shortly after arrival | Armed person fires toward officers; officers return fire. |
| Following the exchange | Suspect arrested and taken to hospital for assessment; no officers injured. |
The RCMP asked that any additional questions be reserved for the active investigation. As of the latest update, detectives continue to examine the area between St. George and Victoria streets to determine the circumstances that led to the confrontation.
Downtown Moncton residents expressed shock as they watched police activity unfold near landmarks many here pass daily. The incident is a reminder of how sudden violence can affect a community and how quickly first responders must act to protect the public.
WE NEWS will continue to monitor for official updates from Codiac Regional RCMP and will report further details as they become available.
