The number of attempted murders in Regina is increasing according to recent stats from Regina Police.

In their mot recent monthly crime stats report, attempted murders are up 225% since August of 2018, with 26 being reported so far this year alone.

Police Chief Evan Bray said gun violence has directly led to the increase.

“The fact that assaults are now happening with a firearm instead of a fist, changes the charge. It is no longer a common assault it’s an attempted murder,” Bray said. “Even if the victim was not struck by a bullet, if they were shot at, the corresponding charge and investigation looks a lot different than if it was a fist fight outside of a bar.”

Bray said there’s an escalation of risk in the community.

“You hear me talk about the big three all of the time: drugs, guns, and gangs,” Bray said. “They are very closely interwoven and so the increase of drugs, particularly meth in our community, and the challenges that that’s causing us is unfortunately going hand in hand with firearms. And so we are seeing an increase in that sort of activity.”

Bray said when a gun shot rings out, intent needs to be considered.

“If that bullet fired was not an attempt to scare, but an attempt to injure you, we have to understand what the consequences of that can be,” Bray said. “I think it comes down to looking at each situation and the circumstances. Someone shoots at a house versus someone shoots at a person standing on the street. I think there’s a difference there.”

Also in the crime stats report, there’s an increase of theft from motor vehicles. There were 347 reports of theft of items and cash from vehicles.