Police are investigating a shooting in Montreal North on Friday night that they say is the second murder in the city of 2017.

A Montreal police spokesperson said a number of calls were made to 911 after people in the area heard gunshots around 9 p.m.

When they arrived at the scene on Sabrevois St. near des Récollets Ave., police discovered 28-year-old Ali Awada, who had been shot at least once in the upper body.

He was transported to hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Awada known to police. In 2014, the RCMP arrested him as part of a targeted sweep of the mafia. 

Police set up a perimeter in the immediate vicinity as they searched the area with a K9 unit and crime-scene technicians. The investigation has been transferred to the SPVM's Major Crimes Unit. 

No details regarding suspects were made available.