Vancouver police are investigating a shooting in the Downtown Eastside that sent at least two people to hospital Thursday (June 1) afternoon.
Witnesses reported gunshots near East Hastings and Columbia streets just before 4:30 p.m.
Upon arriving, police officers located a victim with gunshot wounds who was taken to hospital and, shortly after, a second person, who had also been shot, arrived at the emergency room. Both men are believed to have non-life-threatening injuries.
Several people were seen fleeing the area.
“Responding officers were faced with a chaotic scene," says Cnst Tania Visintin. "Someone had obviously been shot, but it was unclear who was involved."
Eight people were arrested and have since been released pending further investigation.
The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) investigators believe the incident was a targeted shooting.
Anyone with information is asked to call VPD’s Major Crime Section at 604-717-2541 or submit anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
