Article content

Ontario Provincial Police conducted raids in Ottawa’s west end Wednesday.

Police were tight-lipped about the locations of the raids, although one witness reported a significant police presence at a highrise apartment building at 3100 Carling Ave., at Bayshore Avenue. Other reports indicated police activity at 130 Doane Street, east of Bayshore.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Combined police forces stage raids in west end Back to video

There were reports of the use of “flashbang” stun grenades at both locations.

The OPP’s tactical units were seen preparing at Andrew Haydon Park around 5 a.m. for the strikes. The door at the address on Doane had been forced open and police could be seen inside.

According to some people who live in the neighbourhood, the address on Doane was well travelled yet they could not say who lived in the home. People and cars were seen coming and going from the house, and during the summer the garage was often left open.

TVs and couches were set up where people would sit for hours on end while visiting, neighbours said. Other neighbours said the home is owned by an older couple who own a large friendly dog.

Police would not comment on the raids, although sources indicate it could be part of a provincewide operation targeting biker gangs. A spokeswoman for the Ontario Provincial Police said Wednesday no statement about the police activity would be released until at least Thursday.

Ottawa police were assisting in the operation for jurisdictional reasons but also would not comment.

The raids came in an area where there has been increased gun violence in recent months. Several shootings have happened in the nearby Ritchie Street and Michelle Heights area since late 2014.