Edmonton Police Service (EPS) has expressed concern that the recent killing of a young boy could lead to revenge attacks and the start of a gang war. EPS Acting Supt. Colin Derksen stated that the level of violence exhibited in this incident shows that the landscape of organized crime has changed. The shooting, which took place outside an A&W and Petro-Canada gas station, targeted a known gang member and his 11-year-old son. The father and son were intentionally killed, and police believe the incident is related to drugs and gangs. EPS is urging citizens to be vigilant and avoid unnecessary risks in order to prevent further violence. Karen Bartko reported
Is Edmonton teetering on the brink of a potentially devastating gang war? According to the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) and a well-known criminologist, the recent killing of a young boy could have far-reaching consequences. EPS Acting Supt. Colin Derksen expressed his shock and disgust at the horrifying incident during a news conference, stating that even gang members would find this act reprehensible. The incident occurred when a known gang member and his 11-year-old son were tracked down, shot, and killed while sitting in their car outside a popular fast-food restaurant and gas station. Derksen made it clear that the boy’s death was not an accident, emphasizing that the shooters intentionally killed him once they realized he was present. The father and son were found with gunshot wounds inside their vehicle, and despite officers’ efforts to save them, both succumbed to their injuries.
Derksen stressed that this act goes beyond the boundaries of what is considered acceptable even within the gang world. He stated that this incident highlights a significant shift in the dynamics of organized crime, with a blatant disregard for the safety and well-being of innocent civilians. The shooting took place in a busy shopping plaza during the lunch hour, heightening concerns about escalating gang violence. Daniel Jones, a criminologist and former EPS officer, echoed Derksen’s sentiments, describing the act of targeting innocent children as a new level of evil. He expressed deep concern that this incident could mark the beginning of a gang war, similar to the violence witnessed in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland.
Jones explained that unlike other cities, Edmonton’s gang culture has traditionally involved drug dealing rather than extreme violence. However, recent events indicate a shift towards more aggressive behavior within street-level gangs. Jones attributed this change to the increased attention that violence attracts, which is detrimental to the drug business. He warned that targeting families could lead to a dangerous cycle of retaliation, with individuals seeking revenge for their loved ones. This escalation of violence in Edmonton is unprecedented, according to Jones, as the city has not experienced incidents of this nature before.
The victim’s father, Harpreet Uppal, was a well-known figure within the gang and drug world, according to Derksen. The EPS had previously made attempts to persuade Uppal to leave the lifestyle behind and ensure his family’s safety. Two years ago, Uppal was shot at a local restaurant, but charges against the perpetrator were recently dropped. The shooting took place in the southeastern part of the city, which has since returned to normalcy, except for a growing memorial near the crime scene.
Fortunately, the friend of the deceased 11-year-old boy, who was also in the car during the incident, escaped physical harm. Derksen revealed that the two boys had briefly entered the restaurant before the shooting occurred. While the exact motive for the shooting remains unclear, Derksen confirmed that it was related to drugs and gang activity. He urged citizens to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary risks, as the possibility of retaliation is very real.
The EPS is currently conducting an investigation into the incident, interviewing witnesses and gathering evidence. They are also looking into a burned-out SUV found on a rural road near the crime scene, suspecting a possible connection to the shooting. Criminologist Jones noted that torching getaway vehicles is a common tactic employed by organized crime to destroy evidence.
In conclusion, the tragic killing of a young boy in Edmonton has raised concerns about the possibility of a gang war erupting within the city. The EPS and criminologists warn that targeting innocent children represents a disturbing escalation of violence, which could lead to a cycle of revenge and retaliation. The incident signifies a significant shift in the dynamics of organized crime in Edmonton, which has traditionally been characterized by drug dealing rather than extreme violence. While the exact motive behind the shooting remains unclear, the EPS is working diligently to gather information and prevent further acts of violence. It is crucial for citizens to remain vigilant and exercise caution to avoid putting themselves in unnecessary danger..