The vehicle believed to be involved in at least two incidents where passengers in the vehicle shot an air rifle at pedestrians, striking more than one person, beginning at about 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Apr. 28, 2026. Images via Kingston Police.
Editor’s Note: This article has been updated since it was first published at 1:34 pm on Tuesday, Apr. 28, 2026. Please see the bottom of the article for the most recent information.
Local police want “residents to be aware” of “two separate incidents involving a firearm” after pedestrians were struck by projectiles believed to have been fired from an air rifle in downtown Kingston.
In a press release issued just after 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Apr. 28, 2026, Kingston Police said the first incident occurred at Russell Street and Patrick Street, and the second occurred on Palace Road near Park Street.
Police said that both incidents involved a black vehicle, “possibly a Ford,” with four passengers inside.
“In both incidents, passengers in the rear of the vehicle we observed to be firing a long gun-style air rifle at pedestrians,” Kingston Police said.
“In both incidents, pedestrians were struck with projectiles shot from the gun.”
In response to Kingstonist inquiries, Constable Anthony Colangeli, Media Relations Officer for Kingston Police, said that the first incident occurred at approximately 12:30 p.m., and the second occurred around five minutes later.
Police are asking residents to report any suspicious behaviour. Kingston Police can be reached at 613-549-4660 ext. 0, where callers can request to remain anonymous.
“If you believe you see the involved vehicle, do not approach and contact 911 immediately,” police said.
Kingston Police activated an alert through the Alertable app regarding these incidents and said that the alert will “remain in effect until the incident is resolved.”
According to Colangeli, while the incidents may have been targeted, that has not been confirmed at this time, and the investigation is ongoing.
Kingstonist has inquired with police as to whether pedestrians struck by the projectiles reported any injuries.
Police are expected to provide more information on these incidents at a press conference later today.
Both the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board (ALCDSB) and the Limestone District School Board (LDSB) have sent messaging out to school families indicating they are aware of these incidents and in communication with Kingston Police. Both school boards noted there was no threat to the safety of students or staff within their schools.
This is a developing story. Updated coverage will be provided as more information becomes available.
This article has been updated with further details and photos provided by police.
UPDATE (Tuesday, Apr. 28, 2026, at 5:05 p.m.):
Kingston Police are searching for a dark-coloured pickup truck after two pedestrians were struck by projectiles in rapid succession Tuesday afternoon in downtown Kingston — incidents investigators now believe involved an airsoft gun fired from a moving vehicle.
In a press release issued shortly after 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Apr. 28, 2026, police said the first incident occurred at approximately 12:30 p.m. in the area of Russell Street and Patrick Street. A second incident was reported roughly five minutes later on Palace Road near Park Street.
In both cases, pedestrians were struck by projectiles fired from what police initially described as a long gun-style air rifle.
However, in an interview with Kingstonist, Constable Anthony Colangeli, Media Relations Officer for Kingston Police, said investigators now believe the weapon involved was an airsoft gun — commonly referred to as a BB gun — though the exact type of projectile has not yet been confirmed.
Colangeli said one victim was struck in the face in the Russell Street and Patrick Street area, while in the Palace Road area, a second victim was reportedly hit multiple times.
Police have not released the ages of the victims or provided detailed updates on the extent of their injuries. However, Kingstonist has since learned that a seventeen-year-old boy was sent to the hospital with injuries to his left eye, sustained in the first incident.
Investigators believe both incidents involved the same vehicle: a dark-coloured pickup truck, possibly a Ford F-150 or larger, with multiple occupants. The shots are believed to have been fired from the rear of the vehicle.
The Kingston Police Criminal Investigation Division is now leading the investigation and working to determine whether the incidents were random or targeted.
“At this stage, that’s one of the key questions,” Colangeli said, noting that police issued a public alert out of an abundance of caution when the incidents were first reported.
Police said that at the time of the alert, officers could not determine the motive or whether additional incidents might occur, prompting them to notify the public and urge vigilance.
While no further similar incidents have been reported in the hours since, police are asking residents to remain alert and to report any sightings of the suspect vehicle. Members of the public are advised not to approach the vehicle if they see it, but to contact the police immediately.
Investigators are also asking anyone who was in the areas at the time — or who lives nearby — to review dashcam, security camera, or doorbell footage that may have captured the pickup truck. The first incident occurred at the intersection of Russell and Patrick Streets around 12:30 p.m., and the second occurred about five minutes later on Palace Road near Park Street.
If those responsible are identified, potential charges could include assault with a weapon and firearms-related offences, according to police. Additional charges may be considered depending on factors such as the extent of injuries, the type of weapon used, and the intent of those involved.
Under the Criminal Code, offences can escalate based on the severity of harm, ranging from simple assault to assault causing bodily harm or aggravated assault in more serious cases.
Police said identifying the vehicle and its occupants remains the immediate priority in the investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Kingston Police at 613-549-4660 ext. 0, where callers can request to remain anonymous. Anyone who believes there is an immediate risk to public safety is urged to call 911.
UPDATE (Wednesday, Apr. 29, 2026):
The public alert issued by Kingston Police following two incidents of air rifles being fired at pedestrians has now been deactivated.
Kingston Police officially ended the public alert through the Alertable app around 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Apr. 29, 2026. Kingstonist inquired with the local police as to whether there was a reason for ending the alert, such as locating the vehicle suspected to have been involved in the incidents, or the suspects being identified. Kingstonist also asked about the condition of the victims, and whether investigators have determined any link or motive in the shooting incidents.
Minutes later, Kingston Police issued an update via press release.
“The Kingston Police would like to thank the public for their assistance in this matter,” police stated.
“Both victims sustained minor injuries during this incident.”
Media Relations Officer for Kingston Police, Constable Anthony Colangeli, indicated to Kingstonist that no further information was available at this time.
According to police, the investigation remains ongoing.
“Investigators do not believe there is an on-going risk to public safety in relation to this incident,” Kingston Police said.
With files from Michelle Dorey Forestell.