A 37-year-old man is now in "critical condition" from Coquitlam's first known shooting of 2023.
RCMP are still in the evidence gathering stages of the Burke Mountain case from Wednesday (May 17).
Investigators are also turning focus to the vehicle fire not far from Colony Farm Regional Park connected to the incident as the four-door sedan was believed to be stolen.
Officers were called to reports of a shooting at a strip mall at the intersection of David Avenue and Coast Meridian Road around 7:30 p.m. that night.
RCMP's general investigation section said the victim was sitting at an outside table when the shooting took place, noting the shopping facility was heavily populated at the time.
Police performed first aid before he was rushed to hospital with serious injuries.
"This was a targeted incident in a highly populated area," spokesperson Sgt. Karrie Ellis explained in an update today (May 21).
"We are thankful that no one else was injured during this brazen early-evening shooting."
Stolen vehicle
Less than 30 minutes later, police were called to a vehicle fire near Cape Horn Avenue and United Boulevard.
A reportedly stolen 2022 Honda Civic Touring was engulfed in flames when officers arrived.
Ellis said the suspect officers are looking for is believed to have fled the shooting scene in that vehicle.
"We are asking anyone who may have seen the suspect or suspect vehicle, to contact our investigators," she added.
More specific video from the public is sought in the investigation.
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.
Anyone with more information is encouraged to call Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550 and quote file number 2023-12669.
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