Edmonton police investigating 2 New Year's shootings, 4 stabbings

Four people are in hospital after twoshootings in Edmonton.

The first incident happened near 22nd Avenue and 53rd Street in south Edmonton, and sent two people to hospital, a police spokesman said.

A little later, around 4:30 a.m., police were called to a second shooting atthe Eclipse Lounge and Hookah Bar in downtownEdmonton, said Staff Sgt. Ray Akbar with the Edmonton Police Service's downtown division.

"When our officers responded, we found a bit of a chaotic scene," Akbar said. "Lots of people leaving and lots of people kind of panicky and trying to get away."

Officers searching the area had found what they believed to be the site of the shooting when they received a call from staff at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, reporting two men had been dropped off with gunshot wounds.

Officers then went to the hospital where they were confirmed the two patients had been involved in the shooting.

One of the men is listed in serious condition and is undergoing treatment, Akbar said. The other has a non-life-threatening injury.

About 50 people were at the bar at the time of the shooting, but no one else was hurt,Akbarsaid.

Police are still working to determine the relationship between the two menand are reviewing CCTV footage to determine whether anyone else was involved.

"At this point, we're sifting through all the investigative avenues and forensic evidence."

A section of 111th Avenue from 92nd Street to 94th Street has been cordoned off while the EPS forensic team investigates the scene of the shooting. It is expected to reopen to traffic later this afternoon.

No arrests have been made in either shooting.

Multiple stabbings reported

Police also responded to four overnight stabbings in the city, said spokesman Scott Pattison.

Downtown, one person received minor injuries in a stabbing near 91st Street and Jasper Avenue just before 5 a.m., according to police.

That incident is still under investigation.

Earlier in the day, the Edmonton Police Service's CSI Unit sent out a series of tweets about the previous night's violence, pointing out its earlier request for a "weapons & crime free"New Year's Eve.