Recent shootings in Lower Mainland not linked to B.C. gangs: RCMP
Police say a series of shootings reported recently in B.C.'s Lower Mainland are not believed to be tied to the ongoing gang conflict.
At least one of four people injured as a result of gun violence in Surrey, Langley and Coquitlam was an "innocent bystander," officials said. Others recently injured have been known to police, and one person died in a shooting that officers believe was targeted.
There was also a stabbing in Langley earlier this month, during which an 18-year-old was killed.
While some may assume the increase in violence is tied to gang activity, police said at a news conference Thursday that this has not been the case recently.
"Unfortunately, what we are experiencing now is an evolution in that we are seeing street-level criminals in what looks like interpersonal conflicts creating violence on our streets," said Ghalib Bhayani, chief superintendent and operations officer for the Lower Mainland District RCMP.
Bhayani said he was speaking on behalf of the 13 RCMP detachments and five integrated teams that deliver specialized and front-line policing in the region.
The news conference was meant to assure the public that work is being done to reduce gun violence in the Lower Mainland, work that includes the expansion of anti-gang enforcement teams.
According to Bhayani, the work from these teams, as well as increased patrols and shared intelligence, has resulted in a reduction of violent acts from what was being seen earlier in 2021.
Superintendent Duncan Pound of the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of B.C. also spoke at the news conference, and offered some context around the recent shootings.
"Early indications are that in the three most recent shootings in Langley, Coquitlam and Surrey where one person lost their life and innocent bystanders were injured all initially appear connected to street-level drug trafficking," he said.
"They do not, at this time, appear to have any direct links to the Lower Mainland Gang Conflict and do not appear to be connected to each other. That, however, doesn’t discount the seriousness of the incidents, as gun violence is completely unacceptable."
And, Pound said, violence such as the region is seeing now can draw in groups and individuals with gang connections, so there are co-ordinated efforts underway to ensure that the violence doesn't escalate further, or spread.
The local division of Crime Stoppers says more than 400 tips related to illegal guns were reported last year, leading to 32 weapons seizures in the area.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Another suspect arrested in Toronto Pearson airport gold heist: police
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
BREAKING Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Poilievre-led government 'would never' use notwithstanding clause on abortion, his office says
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Cyclist strikes child crossing the street to catch school bus in Montreal
A video circulating on social media of a young girl being hit by a bike has some calling for better safety and more caution when designing bike lanes in the city. The video shows a four-year-old girl crossing Jeanne-Mance Street in Montreal's Plateau neighbourhood to get on a school bus stopped on the opposite side of the street