Gunfire smashed some windows of stores in Chinatown early Sunday. (CBC)

A total of five people were hurt in a gang shootout on Sunday in Calgary's Chinatown, and not the two originally reported by police.

The incident at about 1:30 a.m. at the intersection of Centre Street and 2nd Avenue S. involved two well-known rival gangs, said police on Monday.

"We believe this was not a random act and the persons involved were targeted," says acting Insp. Grant Miller.

"This incident involved rival gang members, who are well known to the police and to one other. This act is another example of the reckless violence committed by these groups, without regard for public safety."

Investigators believe numerous shots were exchanged between two vehicles.

When police arrived, they found one car riddled with at least 17 bullet holes, and two injured victims inside it. One of them was wearing a bulletproof vest. The pair suffered the only injuries reported by police on Sunday.

The second vehicle, which fled the scene, was tracked down by police in the community of Citadel. Inside, they found one man with a gunshot wound to the head, and took him to hospital, investigators revealed Monday. Police arrested the other three occupants.

While police were at the hospital, two men also arrived with gunshot wounds. Investigators said they believe the pair had been in the bullet-ridden vehicle.

Four men, aged 17 to 31, have been charged with four counts each of attempted murder and causing bodily harm with intent.

One of the suspects, Daniel Landry, is a known associate of Jackie Tran, confirmed police. Tran is a convicted drug trafficker who has been in the headlines recently, as he continues to fight a deportation order issued four years ago.

Of the five people injured in the shooting, four remain in hospital on Monday.

Police said they have recovered the handguns believed to be involved in the incident.

No bystanders were hurt, but errant gunfire broke some windows of shops in Chinatown.