A tragic and unsettling shooting incident occurred on Wednesday evening, May 7, 2025, in Saint John, New Brunswick, leaving one person dead and sparking a large-scale police operation as authorities search for a suspect still at large. The shooting, which took place in the Rockwood Park area of Saint John’s north end, prompted law enforcement to issue a shelter-in-place order for residents in several neighborhoods as they continue their investigation and search for the perpetrator.

The Shooting Incident: Chaos in Saint John’s North End

The incident unfolded shortly before 8:30 p.m. when the Saint John Police Force received reports of a shooting in the Rockwood Park area, which is located in the northern part of the city. The police quickly responded to the scene, where they found one person who had sustained serious injuries from gunshot wounds. Emergency medical teams arrived shortly after and rushed the victim to a nearby hospital. Despite their efforts to save him, the victim later died from his injuries.

Authorities have not yet identified the victim, and details surrounding the shooting itself remain scarce. However, they have confirmed that the suspect is still at large and considered dangerous. This has heightened the urgency of the situation, with local law enforcement continuing their efforts to locate the individual responsible for the attack.

The Police Response: Shelter-in-Place and Search Efforts

In response to the active situation, the Saint John Police Force issued an urgent shelter-in-place order for residents in several areas near the scene of the shooting. The order specifically affected the neighborhoods surrounding Rockwood Park, including Lily Lake, Seeley Street, and Mount Pleasant Avenue. Residents within these zones were strongly advised to stay indoors, lock their doors, and avoid venturing outside until further notice.

This precautionary measure was taken to ensure the safety of the public as police continued their search for the suspect. Authorities warned that the suspect is considered potentially dangerous, and they urged everyone to remain vigilant and follow any additional instructions from law enforcement.

The Saint John Police Force worked quickly to cordon off parts of the affected neighborhood, focusing on areas that were believed to have been directly involved in the shooting or where the suspect may have fled. Officers set up barricades and began conducting door-to-door inquiries in an attempt to gather more information about the suspect and the circumstances surrounding the crime.

Investigation and Ongoing Search for the Suspect

At present, the identity of the suspect remains unknown, and law enforcement has provided few details about the individual or the motive behind the shooting. The Saint John Police Force has committed to a thorough investigation, which includes reviewing any available surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and collecting forensic evidence from the crime scene.

A spokesperson for the Saint John Police Force stated that this is an ongoing investigation and that the police are doing everything possible to locate the suspect. The spokesperson emphasized the importance of public cooperation during this critical time, stating, “We are asking for the public’s cooperation to ensure everyone’s safety while our officers work to locate the individual responsible.”

As the investigation continues, more details about the shooting and the suspect may be released. Law enforcement is working tirelessly to gather information from the community, and they have asked residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity they may have observed. Local businesses and residents with security cameras or dashcam footage are encouraged to share their recordings with the authorities to aid in the investigation.

The Impact on the Community: Shock and Concern

The shooting in such a quiet and typically safe neighborhood has left many residents shaken. The Rockwood Park area, known for its lush green spaces and outdoor recreational opportunities, is a popular destination for families and tourists alike. The news of a fatal shooting in the area has raised concerns about safety and the potential for further violence.

In addition to the immediate shock and fear felt by those in the vicinity, the shooting has raised broader concerns about public safety in Saint John. While the city has experienced violent crime in the past, incidents of this nature are rare, making this shooting all the more disturbing for residents. Many are left wondering how and why such a violent act occurred in a place known for its peaceful surroundings.

The shelter-in-place order has added to the anxiety in the community, with people unsure of when they will be able to return to their normal routines. Schools, businesses, and public services in the area have been temporarily disrupted as a result of the ongoing search for the suspect. Parents, in particular, have expressed concern for their children’s safety and the uncertainty surrounding the incident.

The Role of Law Enforcement: Ensuring Public Safety

The Saint John Police Force, supported by local emergency services, has been working tirelessly to ensure the safety of the public while investigating the crime. The shelter-in-place order and the subsequent search for the suspect have been part of a coordinated effort to prevent further harm and to apprehend the individual responsible for the attack.

In addition to the local police, other law enforcement agencies, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), may become involved in the investigation as the search for the suspect extends beyond the immediate area. Collaboration between agencies is often essential in cases of violent crime, especially when the suspect remains at large and is considered dangerous.

Police have emphasized the importance of the public’s cooperation during this investigation. In particular, they have called on residents to provide any information they may have about the suspect or the shooting. The investigation could hinge on witness testimony and any surveillance footage available, and law enforcement is encouraging anyone who may have seen something suspicious to come forward.

The Impact on Local Businesses and Schools

The shooting and the ongoing search for the suspect have had a significant impact on local businesses and schools in the area. Many businesses in the affected neighborhoods were forced to close temporarily while the police operation continued, and some residents have been unable to attend work or school due to the shelter-in-place order.

Schools in the area were also affected, with some taking additional security measures to ensure the safety of students and staff. Although the police have confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to the public, the uncertainty surrounding the situation has led to heightened precautions at educational institutions. Parents and educators are understandably concerned about the safety of children, especially in a time of heightened anxiety following such a violent incident.

Calls for Increased Public Safety Measures

The Rockwood Park shooting has prompted local leaders and residents to call for increased public safety measures in the wake of the incident. While Saint John is generally considered a safe city, the shocking nature of the shooting has led many to question whether additional resources should be allocated to law enforcement in the area.

Some have suggested that more surveillance cameras should be installed in public spaces, particularly in areas like parks and busy intersections, where incidents like this one may occur. Others have called for more visible police patrols in neighborhoods where violent crime is rare, as a means of providing reassurance to residents and deterring potential criminal activity.

The Saint John Police Force is likely to review its existing safety protocols in light of this incident, as part of an ongoing effort to ensure public safety and reduce the likelihood of similar events in the future. In the aftermath of the shooting, community leaders and law enforcement will need to work together to rebuild trust and foster a sense of security among residents.

Moving Forward: A Community in Mourning and Hope for Justice

As the investigation into the Rockwood Park shooting continues, the Saint John community remains on edge, waiting for more information about the suspect and the circumstances that led to the tragic loss of life. The community has come together to support one another during this difficult time, with neighbors offering comfort to those directly affected by the shooting.

The investigation remains ongoing, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward to help bring justice to the victim and their family. The Saint John Police Force continues to focus on locating the suspect and ensuring that the community remains safe.

In the meantime, residents are encouraged to stay informed through official updates from the Saint John Police Force. As more details become available, the hope is that the suspect will be apprehended and brought to justice, providing some measure of closure for those impacted by this heartbreaking event.

Conclusion: A Community Impacted by Tragedy, United in Safety and Justice

The tragic shooting in Rockwood Park, followed by the ongoing search for the suspect, has deeply affected the community of Saint John. The loss of life, coupled with the fear and uncertainty surrounding the incident, has left residents grappling with the realities of violence in what is typically a peaceful area.

As the investigation unfolds, the focus now turns to ensuring that justice is served and that the community remains safe. The tragedy has underscored the importance of cooperation between law enforcement and the public, and the hope is that the ongoing search for the suspect will lead to answers and justice for the victim’s family.

For now, Saint John remains united in its grief and resolve, hoping for a swift resolution and a return to the safety and security that the community holds dear.