Was there criminal intent behind a case of mischief that took place during an evening music performance during Coquitlam's Canada Day celebrations?
A standalone light fixture fell on dozens of spectators opposite the Community Plaza stage in Town Centre Park (1299 Pinetree Way), sending one to hospital with significant injuries.
Now — 10 days later — RCMP are looking to determine if the act was intentional and are seeking the public's help.
Something caused the light fixture at the top of the bleachers facing the main stage to fall, said spokesperson Cpl. Alexa Hodgins in a release today (July 11).
Officers responded to the incident at around 9 p.m. on July 1, and a woman was taken to hospital with what was described as non-life-threatening injuries.
"This event was well attended by thousands of people who may have seen the light fixture before it fell on spectators sitting in the bleachers of the nighttime performance," Hodgins added.
Coquitlam RCMP's Investigational Support Team (IST) has since taken lead on the case.
The unit is seeking witness statements and video footage of the incident, specifically of the bleacher seating area between 7 and 9 p.m. on July 1.
The Suits were the musical act that performed on the Town Centre Park Community Plaza stage when the alleged fixture mischief took place.
Social media posts showed hundreds of people gathered to watch, and it appears many of the same patrons stayed later for the fireworks.
Anyone with more information about the incident is encouraged to call Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550 and quote file-number 2023-17333.
