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
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.