RNC searching for 'armed and dangerous' 19-year-old man, wanted for murder in St. John's

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary is looking for 19-year-old Ibrahim Hussein, who is wanted for murder and is considered armed and dangerous after a what police call a targeted shooting in the east end of St. John's Tuesday night. 

The RNC says it responded to reports of a "weapons offence in progress" in the area of Watson Street around 9:15 p.m. NT.

Police found a 33-year-old man outside of a home with serious injuries "consistent with gunshot wounds." The 33-year-old was rushed to hospital where he died from his injuries.

The RNC initially said it believed there was no threat to public safety, but on Wednesday said Hussein is armed and dangerous, advised the public not to approach him and report any sightings.

WATCH | The St. John's man later died as a result of an apparent gunshot wound:

Alleged St. John’s shooter believed to be armed and dangerous, police say

6 days ago

Duration 4:14

Police do not believe Tuesday’s deadly shooting is related to other recent shootings in St. John’s, including another on Wednesday morning. The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary says its 400 officers are working to disrupt crime networks in the community, and that a dedicated team is working to locate those responsible.

Hussein is described to be about 5'8" with black dread locks, dark brown eyes and is of Syrian descent, the RNC said.

The RNC has requested a warrant for Hussein's arrest on charges of first-degree murder, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and breach of release order, among others.

The event on Watson Street was the fourth weapons-related incident in the province in less than a week, but RNC Const. Jason Walsh told reporters it's not related to the other shootings.

On Friday night, the RCMP issued a public alert, warning people of an active shooter in Grand Falls-Windsor after reports of multiple shots fire at a home on Suvla Road.

The next day in St. John's, the RNC responded to two reported shootings. Police say someone fired shots at a Virginia Place home in the city's east end, and in the Druken Crescent area of the Shea Heights neighbourhood.

WATCH | A tense night on Watson Street in St. John's as police surround home:

Police in tactical gear enter St. John’s home after person is taken to hospital

6 days ago

Duration 0:53

A police team with guns drawn entered a home Tuesday night in St. John’s. The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary blocked access to Watson Street in the east end. This incident follows a weekend filled with gun violence.

RNC Supt. Sharon Warren ensures that several resources have been dedicated to investigating the recent shootings and the force is confident in its ability to handle them.

She said she understands that some people may be worried.

"Newfoundland remains one of the safest places in the country," Warren said. 

Unlike the incident in Grand Falls-Windsor, an emergency alert was not issued in the Watson Street case because a suspect had been quickly identified, Warren clarified.

Warren says the public should keep privacy in mind when taking photos and videos on a crime scene. Many took to social media Tuesday night as police kept a heavy presence in the area of Watson Street.

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