A man is in hospital in serious condition after a shooting in Coquitlam this evening (Jan. 14).
And Mounties are working to determine if one or more suspects were involved as they are "still outstanding" as of this publication.
Before 9:30 p.m., the victim was found with gunshot wounds in the parking lot of a strip mall located in the 1000 block of Austin Avenue — after police were called to the incident.
"The victim, known to police, had surgery and is in stable condition," read an RCMP statement. "He is expected to make a full recovery from his injuries."
Two innocent bystanders were taken to hospital for minor injuries, which are believed to have been caused from the debris from the shooting, said police.
An RCMP statement says early investigations indicate that this was a targeted shooting.
"The victim is known to police and it is unclear if there are connections to the Lower Mainland Gang conflict," explains spokesperson S/Sgt. Paul Vadik.
Police tape was seen covering a large portion of the parking lot.
Investigators also appear to have placed pylons in the area, which typically means that bullet casings were found at the scene.
This is the first known shooting incident of 2022 in Coquitlam.
Last year, police responded to and reported nine known shootings across the city — two people died and many were linked to gang violence in the region.
Anyone with more information about the Jan. 14 incident is encouraged to call Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550 and quote file-number 2022-1255, anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or go online to www.solvecrime.ca.
