17-year-old shot in 17th shooting in Hamilton this year

A Hamilton teenwas rushed to hospital with serious injuries Sunday night after a shooting on the Mountain marking the 17th shooting incident in the city already this year.

Officers were first called about reports of gunfire at 1526 Upper Ottawa Street, near Rymal Road East, just after 9 p.m.

According to a news release, police got there and found a 17-year-old bleeding from a gunshot wound.

He was rushed to hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries, police say. Police dogs were brought in to search the area.

Police say they will be in the area Monday looking for witnesses and trying to track down security camera footage.

Investigators did not provide any information about what may have led to the shooting.

"At this time, police believe with the information available this is a targeted incident," police said in a news release.

Investigators have previously said the recent surge in shooting incidents in Hamilton is connected to the rise of the deadly opioid fentanyl.

In response, police formed a new task force in February to investigate gun violence and drug trafficking in the city.

Police are asking anyone with information about Sunday's shooting to contact Det.- Sgt. Marco DelConte at 905-546-3851 or mdelconte@hamiltonpolice.on.ca.