1 man injured in 'targeted' shooting at Coquitlam shopping complex, RCMP believe nearby vehicle fire connected
A man is in hospital with serious injuries after a brazen shooting at a busy shopping centre in Coquitlam Wednesday night.
The violence unfolded near David Avenue and Coast Meridian Road.
RCMP were called to the area around 7:30 p.m.
When they arrived, they found a man suffering from life-threatening injuries as a result of the shooting.
“Officers immediately began providing first aid to the victim, who has since been transported to hospital,” wrote Cpl. Alexa Hodgins, of Coquitlam RCMP in a news release Wednesday night.
No details about his identity have been released.
Investigators set up police tape around most of the centre as they searched the area for evidence.
“This area was highly populated at the time of the shooting, which is very concerning as public safety is our top priority,” said Hodgins.
Police say the suspect fled in a silver or gray four-door sedan.
At 7:50 p.m., Mounties were called to a vehicle fire in the area of Cape Horn Avenue and United Boulevard, which is believed to be related.
While the crime scenes have the hallmarks of a gang-style shooting, RCMP have not confirmed that, only calling it targeted.
The Coquitlam General Investigation Section has taken over the case.
Officers appeared to focus their attention on the area outside of the Hiraku Sushi restaurant.
Many of the businesses in the complex were still open at the time, putting many innocent customers and pedestrians at risk.
Neighbours say they’re shocked that something so violent happened in such a busy area.
“It's terrifying because I'm afraid that one day somebody that's innocent—going to the store, going for lunch, going somewhere—they’re gonna get shot there,” said Maggie Hill, who lives nearby.
Hill frequently walks with her baby and dogs in the area.
“I feel like it's just getting worse and worse. When is this all going to end? When are the criminals going to be put in prison?” Hill said.
“I've had enough,” she added.
Witnesses or anyone with dash-cam or cellphone video from either crime scene between 7:15 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. are asked to contact the Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Manitoba mom praises quick-thinking fire department for freeing daughter stuck in playground equipment
A Manitoba mother is praising firefighters for their quick work in helping her daughter who got stuck at a playground in Lorette, Man.