It's been one week since a targeted shooting in Coquitlam sent one man to hospital in critical condition.
The incident took place in a strip mall near David Avenue and Coast Meridian Road last Wednesday (May 17) and was described as heavily populated at the time
As officers continue to investigate, RCMP is set reach out to local residents and business owners that might be concerned for their neighbourhood's safety.
On Saturday afternoon (May 27), a free information session is set to take place at Burke Mountain Discovery Centre (3537 Princeton Ave.) where the public is invited to ask questions.
"The event will be an opportunity for the public to engage with Coquitlam RCMP by addressing community concerns by providing emotional support, education and access to additional resources onsite," explained spokesperson Cpl. Alexa Hodgins in a statement.
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First known shooting of 2023
Officers were called to reports of a shooting at the busy shopping plaza around 7:30 p.m. on May 17, leaving one victim with serious injuries.
Coquitlam Mounties performed first aid before the man was rushed to hospital, and explained he was sitting at an outside table when the shooting took place.
"We are thankful that no one else was injured during this brazen early-evening shooting," said Sgt. Karrie Ellis in a recent update.
Not long after, police were called to a vehicle fire at Cape Horn Avenue and United Boulevard — near Colony Farm Regional Park — and it's believed the two events are connected.
A reportedly stolen 2022 Honda Civic Touring was engulfed in flames when officers arrived.
Ellis said the lone suspect officers are looking for is believed to have fled the shooting scene in that vehicle.
RCMP's general investigation section has since taken lead on the case, and are appealing to the public for more witness statements and evidence.
This includes dash cam, CCTV, surveillance, cell phone and general footage of the vehicle fire — specifically between 7:45 and 8:15 p.m. on May 17 in the in the area of Cape Horn and United.
Outreach session
"When a neighbourhood experiences a serious incident, we know that people can have questions around safety," said Cpl. Alexa Hodgins.
Resources on hand at the community information this weekend include victim services, community policing volunteers, block watch and Coquitlam RCMP's gang enforcement team.
The latter was recently created to enhance targeted enforcement against those who pose a high risk to public safety, while maintaining community safety.
This is the case for shootings and other violent incidents, Hodgins explained.
The drop-in neighbourhood outreach session is set for May 27 from noon to 4 p.m.
For more information, you can visit the Coquitlam RCMP's website.
Anyone with more information on the shooting or vehicle fire is encouraged to call Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550 and quote file number 2023-12669.
