Investigators have arrested two men in connection with Monday night’s fatal shooting outside of a Maple Ridge, B.C., mall.
Claude Deguire, 26, was shot in the parking lot of Haney Place Mall around 8 p.m. He was airlifted to hospital but died a short time later.
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team said the murder was targeted because of a drug transaction.
"This was a targeted shooting which took place at very close range between the victim and the suspect shooter. This is another tragic example of the risks one takes when being involved in the drug trade," said Sgt. Peter Thiessen.
Thiessen said two men were taken into custody near the shooting scene, but a third suspect is still outstanding.
The suspects are 26 and 27-years-old and have not yet been charged. The suspects and the victim are both known to police.
This is Maple Ridge’s first homicide of 2013.
RCMP Insp. Dave Fleugel said the shooting rocked the otherwise quiet community, causing people to question the safety of their town.
"It is shocking and unacceptable that this incident unfolded in a very public place," he said. "Fortunately our police officers were on the scene almost immediately, and were able to gather critical information and evidence that will support our investigation."
Fleugel said there has been an influx of tips from the public, and people coming forward to tell people what they saw.
Anyone with information is asked to call the IHIT tip line at 1-877-551-4448 or CRIMESTOPPERS at 1-800-222-TIPS.
