Search continues for gunman after woman shot in Simcoe

Police in Norfolk County remain on the hunt for an armed suspect after a shooting in downtown Simcoe on Saturday.

Officers converged on a West Street house around 11 a.m. after multiple 911 calls reporting the sound of gunfire in the area.

A woman in the house had been shot and was taken to hospital while officers fanned out in search of the suspect, with help from the OPP canine unit and police aircraft.

The OPP closed streets in the area in order to conduct the search. Several nearby buildings, including Norfolk General Hospital and the Simcoe Recreation Centre, were reportedly locked down during the manhunt.

The suspect eluded capture, leaving the scene in what police described as a red or burgundy SUV that was last seen driving on Queen Street South.

The suspect is said to be a Black man, heavier set," with dreadlocks, according to OPP acting Sgt. Ed Sanchuk.

He was wearing a grey hoodie and dark pants when he was spotted getting into the SUV on Nelson Street South.

Investigators believe the victim was targeted and that the shooting was not random, Sanchuk said.

There was no update on her condition as of Monday morning.

Sanchuk asked residents in the area to check their home security cameras and dash cameras for footage of the shooter and call police at 1-888-310-1122 with any tips.

J.P. Antonacci's reporting on Haldimand and Norfolk is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative. jpantonacci@thespec.com