It appears more people were sent to hospital from the first Coquitlam shooting of 2022.
RCMP explain flying debris caused minor injuries to a pair of innocent bystanders from the targeted incident that took place in an Austin Heights strip mall parking lot.
One man — who is known to police — was sent to hospital in serious condition after first responders found him with gunshot wounds in the 1000-block of Austin Avenue before 9:30 p.m. on Friday night (Jan. 14).
In an update, Mounties say he is expected to make a full recovery after receiving surgery and remains in stable condition.
It's still unclear, as of this publication (Jan. 17), how many suspects were involved as they are "still outstanding."
Now, a major B.C. police sector is joining efforts to help the Coquitlam detachment's Major Crime Unit solve the attempted murder.
The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU-BC) is sending members of its Uniform Gang Enforcement Team (UGET) to "identify, apprehend and hold those responsible for this attempted murder to justice," says Coquitlam RCMP Insp. Darren Carr.
"Whether the support is analytical or operational, the collaboration between police of jurisdictions and CFSEU-BC is critical to impacting individuals and groups who threaten the safety of our communities," adds CFSEU-BC spokesperson Supt. Duncan Pound.
"This integrated effort amongst all agencies not only leads to successful investigations and holds those responsible accountable, but also suppresses and disrupts the individuals involved and their ability to engage in future violence."
The UGET's involvement indicates the shooting may have been tied to Lower Mainland gang conflict, but the investigation remains in its early stages according to RCMP.
Police add no other updates are being provided at this time.
However, they are urging witnesses to come forward with statements and/or video footage that may be helpful to the case.
Anyone with more information on the shooting is encouraged to call Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550 and ask for the Major Crime Section, anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or go online to www.solvecrime.ca.
