Laval teenager shot inside library, being treated in hospital

Laval, Que. -

A shooting at a library in Laval has left a teenager in hospital.

Several people called 911 to report hearing gunshots at the Philippe-Panneton library, on Arthur-Sauve Blvd., at 7:15 pm.

Officers responding found an 18-year-old man injured inside the library. He'd been shot in the lower body, spokesperson Stephanie Beshara told CTV News.

He was taken to hospital to be treated for his injuries. His life is not in danger.

The man is known to police, according to Beshara.

Laval Mayor Stephane Boyer said he believes the victim has links to street gangs, and that the shooting is connected some type of settling of accounts.

“We know the victim was known to police, known to be close to gang members. Was he there to read or was he escaping a situation and trying to hide in the library? These are questions we'll be asking during the investigation,” he said.

Someone reportedly shot the man from outside the building through a window, while the victim was inside. The shooter then fled, though it’s unclear if the shooter was on foot or driving.

This year in Laval, there have been more than 30 shootings.

Laval's newly elected mayor said they've doubled the amount of officers following street gangs, but it's not a situation the city can fix overnight

“Obviously, it's not something that should have happened, it's not something we want to see happen again,” he said.

No arrest has been made. Police have cordoned off the library, which was open at the time of the shooting, and continue to investigate and look at surveillance footage. The library remained closed on Tuesday and is expected to reopen on Wednesday.

Police are asking anyone with information to come forward.