Burning car potentially linked to Coquitlam, B.C., shooting committed in front of victim's child
Police believe a burning car discovered Saturday evening is linked to a shooting in Coquitlam, B.C., that left a father wounded in front of his nine-year-old son.
Authorities said the silver Infinity G35 sedan was located in neighbouring Port Moody less than 20 minutes after the shooting, and matches the description of a vehicle that was seen leaving the crime scene.
"Coquitlam RCMP is now investigating the nexus between the burnt vehicle in Port Moody and the shooting in Coquitlam," Cpl. Paige Kuz told reporters Monday.
Days after the alarming incident, the motive remains unclear. Authorities said they are still working to determine whether the shooting is linked to the Lower Mainland's bloody gang conflict.
"Police do not believe this was a completely random act," Kuz added. "We cannot draw inferences that this shooting was a case of mistaken identity, and the community should not draw inferences about the victim. It remains an active and fluid investigation as we follow the evidence and facts."
An Infinity G35 similar to the one found burning in Port Moody, B.C., on Dec. 4, 2021, is seen in a handout image from Coquitlam RCMP.
The victim is not known to police and has been co-operating with investigators.
He was shot at approximately 4:41 p.m. Saturday on Chickadee Place near Pinetree Way. Authorities said his young son was in the car with him at the time, but wasn't physically harmed.
Kuz could not confirm how long the child was at the scene with his father before first responders arrived, but said the family has been put in contact with victim services.
The father was taken to hospital, treated for non-life-threatening injuries, and released.
The burning Infinity G35, described as an early 2000s model, was found at around 4:57 p.m. on Maude Court. Kuz said the fire appeared to be intentionally set.
Investigators have asked anyone who saw the silver sedan on the evening of the shooting, or who potentially recorded video of the vehicle, to come forward.
They are particularly looking for recordings from Coquitlam's Westwood Plateau and surrounding areas between 4:20 p.m. and 5:20 p.m., and from the area of Port Moody's Maude Court and Noons Creek Drive between 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
"Residents of areas surrounding these two locations are being urged to mine their memories and review their video surveillance for suspicious vehicles or persons that are new to the area or did not seem to belong there, on Dec. 4 or on the days prior," Kuz said.
Authorities asked anyone with information to call Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550 and ask for the Major Crime Section.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Person on fire outside Trump's hush money trial rushed away on a stretcher
A person who was on fire in a park outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump’s hush money trial is taking place has been rushed away on a stretcher.
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.
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.
'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.
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.
Vicious attack on a dog ends with charges for northern Ont. suspect
Police in Sault Ste. Marie charged a 22-year-old man with animal cruelty following an attack on a dog Thursday morning.
Senators reject field trip to African Lion Safari amid elephant bill study
The Senate legal affairs committee has rejected a motion calling for members to take a $50,000 field trip to the African Lion Safari in southern Ontario to see the zoo's elephant exhibit.
Tropical fish stolen from Beachburg, Ont. restaurant found and returned
Ontario Provincial Police have landed a suspect following a fishy theft in Beachburg, Ont.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.