16-year-old in hospital after shooting at a nightclub in Ontario

A 16-year-old boy from Ajax was taken to a hospital with unknown injuries after a shooting inside a nightclub in St. Catharines early Sunday morning.

Niagara Regional Police say officers on patrol in the city’s downtown core heard gunshots shortly before 12:45 a.m. near St. Paul Street. As they approached, officers saw people running from Club 88.

Police say a 16-year-old was found outside the club and treated by paramedics before being transported to an out-of-region hospital. His injuries have been deemed non-life threatening. Police have not confirmed whether the teen suffered gunshot wounds or provided details about the nature of his injuries.

Investigators believe the shooting happened inside the club, near the bathroom area, but have not said whether the incident was targeted or if the teen was the intended victim. The circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under investigation. It is unclear if anyone else was injured.

The suspect is described as a male wearing a black Nike sweater and black jogging pants. Police have not released information about his age, height, complexion or provided any further physical descriptors. Surveillance images are also not available at this time.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers of Niagara.