Following a shooting, Vancouver police don't feel safe on their own in Oppenheimer Park

    1 of 1 2 of 1

      The tent city at a Downtown Eastside park is becoming increasingly dangerous, according to Vancouver police.

      “There has been a sharp increase in the level of violence in and around the encampment at Oppenheimer Park in recent months,” Sgt. Jason Robillard said in a VPD news release. “Police are responding to several 911 calls in the park every day and we are very concerned about the safety of the people staying there, our officers, firefighters, and City of Vancouver staff.”

      This comes after a shooting on July 10 around 10:30 p.m. 

      A 31-year-old male was later found suffering from a gunshot wound near the intersection of Powell and Jackson streets.

      He's in hospital in stable condition.

      The VPD said that there were 92 police calls to the park in June, and 87 in May.

      That's a 60 percent increase over the same two months in 2018.

      “On Wednesday, a police officer was assaulted as she tried to assist city crews working to keep the park clean,” Robillard said.

      As a result, police will only venture into the park in groups of four to respond to calls.

      Earlier this month, the Powell Street Festival announced that it won't hold events in Oppenheimer Park this year out of respect for residents of the park.

      Comments