Coquitlam RCMP have identified a potential suspect in the shooting last Wednesday at the Barnet Highway Mr. Lube that sent one man to hospital.
While no arrests have been made, Cpl. Jamie Chung told The Tri-City News yesterday that investigators believe they know who pulled the trigger in the brazen day-time shooting. The victim is well-known to police and the incident appeared to be targeted but Chung stopped short of saying the shooting was gang-related.
"Just because somebody is known to police does not mean he is officially in a gang," Chung said. "If they belonged to certain groups, we would say the shooting is gang-related."
Neither the suspect nor the victim, who is expected to recover, has been officially identified and Chung said the matter is likely motivated by "drug-related activities."
Chung said the victim has been somewhat co-operative but police are still following up with their investigation.
At around 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 28, a man opened fire on another man who was standing outside of his car while getting an oil change. Police said approximately five rounds were fired before the suspect jumped into a nearby vehicle and sped off. The victim was responsive when several bystanders went to assist.
One witness, who was parked in front of the building, said the shooter walked right past his vehicle while he was waiting for a fluid change. The suspect was not covering his face and appeared to be holding a handgun, he said.
RCMP Sgt. Peter Thiessen said the shooter had no regard for the other employees or customers at the Mr. Lube when he opened fire on the facility.
