Gunshot victim still uncooperative

By Adam D’Andrea

A local man who suffered a gunshot wound is still refusing to cooperate with Windsor Police Services.

The 26-year-old man arrived at the Hotel-Dieu Grace Hospital emergency room Oct. 17 around 1 a.m. and informed hospital staff he had been shot in the shoulder. Emergency Medical Services staff notified two police officers who were on the property for an unrelated matter. Sgt. Matt D’Asti, public information officer for the Windsor police, said the man is still refusing to cooperate or name any suspects.

“He does not want to be involved. He’s still not cooperating with police and he doesn’t want police to be involved with it,” said D’Asti. “At this point we have no additional information.”

The Oct. 17 media release by Windsor Police Services stated the victim has changed his story several times and said the incident was an “accident.” D’Asti said victims are sometimes unwilling to talk when they are associated with the perpetrator.

“It’s our understanding that he probably does not want to get somebody in trouble at this point. The fact that there’s a firearm involved means that it’s obviously a serious matter,” said D’Asti.

According to D’Asti, victims who are unwilling to talk to police not only hinder  investigations but also put public safety at risk.

“The fact that he’s not willing to cooperate is certainly an obstacle. But more importantly, if there’s an illegal firearm out there we’d like to get it off the streets,” said D’Asti.

Police are asking anyone who may have information about the incident to call (519)-255-6700 ex 4830 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers at (519)-258-TIPS (8477).