(Posted 7:30 a.m., Aug. 6)
Rothwell Heights residence scene of drive-by shooting
By Fred Sherwin
Orléans Online

The peace and tranquility of the normally staid east end community of Rothwell Heights was shattered by the sound of gun fire Wednesday morning as a local residence was the target of a drive-by shooting.

Police started receiving reports of shots being fired outside 21 Briarcliffe Rd. at around 11:10 a.m. Several witnesses say they saw several cars speed away from the scene shortly afterwards.

A quick survey of the scene hours later showed that the front house had been hit by several bullets although all of the windows were left intact.

Police have confirmed that they believe the residence was specifically targeted and that the shooting was carried out by gang members looking to drive home a message.

The drive-by shooting has left many Rothwell Heights residents shaken and scared.

“It is scary,” said one local resident who asked not to be identified. “This is a very quiet neighbourhood. It’s the kind of place where people walk their dogs and kids ride their bikes. It’s a miracle nobody was hurt.”

The residents living at 21 Briarcliffe Rd. have so far refused to cooperate with the police as to a possible motive for the shooting, or the possible identity of the suspects.

At least one report in the Ottawa Citizen says the home was being rented by a family with two teenage boys who were home at the time of the shooting.

(This story was made possible thanks to the generous support of our local business partners.)

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